Images and iconography of Mary and Jesus are prolific throughout Christian history, depicting
critical moments in salvation history. On social media feeds, in the news, and hidden away in police reports and on personal phones, we see images of precarious births, gathering of communities around a new life, mothers pleading for their suffering children, and parents holding lifeless children in their arms. We see images of joyful relief at the news of ceasefires or while feasting after famine. 
 
These images are live, timeless, and eternal. Many of these moments are not captured—going unseen by most. These images occur in both private and public.

Mary, the mother of Jesus, has few words recorded in the scriptural account, yet is central to
God’s plan for salvation. Theologians through the ages have mused about Mary’s role in God’s
plan. She has acquired many titles through the mystical experiences of faithful people,
theological exploration, and pastoral practice—both in private and in public. This series
explores several of those titles and roles, and the imagery that accompanies them. These titles,
we think, are also live, timeless, and eternal—giving insight, aid, solidarity, and care.