The Black Madonna



The Black Madonna is an important part of the story.  She provides hope and comfort to the Daughters of Mary.  Lilly finds strength in her as well.  But August eventually tells Lilly that the Black Madonna is more than just the old figurehead.  She is the spiritual mother inside each of us.  From then on the Black Madonna really inspires her.
Here is some history of the Black Madonna:
From four to five hundred Madonnas still exist, and almost all are in Europe.  They are some of the first worldwide Madonna images.  The reason their black doesn't have anything to do with skin tone; it is just from other symbolic reasons and connections to early goddesses.  The Black Madonnas are a symbol of strength and love worldwide.