This framed lithograph, by Currier and Ives, c. 1872, emphasizes the sacred heart that is a symbol of the Virgin Mary’s love for humanity and for her son, Jesus Christ. It shows the method of Jesus’ death by thorns and penetration by a sword. Decorated with flowers and flames that burst through the top, the heart reflects the power of a mother’s love. Religious prints such as this one would have been common in many Catholic homes. Religion was extremely important to the great number of Eastern European immigrants who began arriving in Massachusetts in the 1880s. Most were Catholic and their churches were the centers of their communities. This one belonged to the John (Jan) and Antonina (Osmola) Sojka family of Turners Falls, Massachusetts. They were founding members of the Polish Parish, Our Lady of Czestochowa Roman Catholic Church in Turners Falls. Antonina was very devout and adorned her house with religious pictures and statuary.