Mary Ellen Croteau

Saint Lorena, widely revered for her fortitude and strength of purpose, is the patron saint of abused women. Her potential martyrdom at the hands of John Wayne Bobbit was effectively quashed through her decisive use of the blade. She is depicted here being crowned with laurel by the ubiquitous female cherubim. Her refusal to be a martyr is the primary reason for her elevation to sainthood. This image is believed to be a self-portrait of the artist in the guise of Saint Lorena and typifies the personal identification many women feel with the Saint.

© Mary Ellen Croteau