Mater Dolorosa, The Sorrowful Mother The Sorrowful Mother is an image of Mary as she was when she stood by the side of Jesus' cross. In Latin countries a santo of the Sorrowful Mother is most often called La Madre de los Dolores. Life-size Dolores santos, intended for processions, will normally have a fabric costume and a crown.  Sometimes the breast is pierced by a sword (example) or has a stylized heart pinned to it (example), as a reminder of Simeon's remark in Luke 2:22-38 (cached) that "thy own soul a sword shall pierce." Usually, though not always, the mother's sorrow is expressed in an anguished or weeping face, sometimes streaked with realistic tears. Because of the narrative situation the Sorrowing Mother always stands erect and never has a child in arms. At left, Riemenschneider's "Mourning Virgin" Other images: Stained glass, Germany, 15th century Santo, Mexico, 16th century Santo, Mexico, 16th century Menu