Bodice of Cloth and Feathers

This bodice of cloth and feathers is a symbol of protection. Nora made this bodice for her sister because one of the priests at the school in Ireland liked to run his hand down the girls’ blouses so he could fondle their breasts. With this bodice in place, the priest would not be able to molest Theresa. Nora remembers the way she protected Theresa against sexual harassment by the priests when Patrick tells her how the priests at Saint Ignatius called him a bastard and did worse to Fergie, indicating that perhaps Fergie had been sexually abused.

Miraculous Medal

This Miraculous Medal is a sign of God’s direction. When the nun pins this medal to Patrick’s diaper Theresa first believes it is a sign she is meant to keep Patrick and raise him on her own. Later, Theresa sees the...