This framed lithograph, by Currier and Ives, c. 1860, emphasizes the sacred heart which represents Jesus’ love for humanity. It is a significant symbol in Catholic tradition and portrays Jesus’ physical heart as a sign of his divine and human compassion. 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. Antonina (Osmola) Sojka (1889-1974), was born in Mielec, Poland, which was part of the Crownlands of Galicia, and controlled by the Austro-Hungarian Empire. She immigrated to Turners Falls in 1905. John (Jan) Sojka (1877-1958), was born Nieczjana, Poland, which was part of the Crownlands of Galicia, and controlled by the Austro-Hungarian Empire. He immigrated to Turners Falls in 1904. 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.