On March 19, we celebrate the Solemnity of St. Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus and the patron of the Universal Church. Though Joseph is only mentioned a few times in the Bible, the gospel accounts demonstrate his upright character and strength as the leader of his family.
In today’s post, we invite you to discover 10 places you can find St. Joseph portrayed in the art of the Basilica – from breathtaking sculptures to vivid stained-glass windows!
1. The Holy Family at Rest Oratory
At the east entrance of the Crypt level of the National Shrine, you’ll find the Holy Family at Rest Oratory, which features a bronze statue sculpted by artist Anna Hyatt Huntington, The Holy Family at Rest – Flight Into Egypt. Gifted to the Basilica in 1963, it portrays how the Holy Family may have looked after escaping to Egypt. This portrayal is unique in the vulnerability it gives Joseph, depicting him curled on the ground in exhaustion.
2. The Holy Family Oratory
Carved in Trani marble, the relief sculpture found in the Holy Family Oratory in the Crypt Church shows St. Joseph lovingly surrounding the Blessed Mother with his robe as she caresses the Christ Child. At the bottom are inscribed the words: “Guide my heart.”
3. The East Apse Soffit Mosaic
In the soffit mosaic above the St. Joseph the worker mosaic, you will find a portrayal of the Holy Family during their flight to Egypt in delicate mosaic tiles. This depiction demonstrates Joseph’s leadership and protection as he guides Mary and Jesus out of Israel.
4. The St. Joseph Chapel
In the Crypt Church, you can find St. Joseph portrayed in a shimmering chapel mosaic. This depiction shows Joseph holding a flowering lily staff and standing next to a palm tree, symbolizing his upright and honorable character. The Latin text translates: “A faithful man shall be much praised; and he that is the keeper of his Lord, shall be glorified,” (Proverbs 28:20, 27:18).
5. The Nativity Rosary Garden Mosaic
The vibrant colors of the Rosary Garden mosaics invite the faithful to pray through the decades of the rosary in a peaceful setting just outside the Basilica. In this depiction of the Nativity, Joseph is shown alongside Mary and the newborn Jesus in a stone stable. Through the doorway, the star shines from above, a picture of Jesus bringing light to the dark world.
6. The East Apse
While Joseph was a carpenter by trade, he was of noble lineage — a descendant of King David himself. This regal nature is conveyed in the mosaic of the East Apse of the Great Upper Church, Saint Joseph, the Defender of the Church and Patron of Workers. In this stunning portrayal, St. Joseph towers over the viewer, holding the Christ Child. Because St. Joseph was named the protector and guardian of the Second Vatican Council, the right side of the apse mosaic features depictions of its participants and Pope John XXIII.
7. The Incarnation Dome
Measuring 3,780 square feet, the Incarnation Dome features four different events surrounding the Incarnation of Jesus: the Annunciation, the Nativity, the Wedding Feast at Cana, and the Transfiguration. The Dome is ringed with the text of John 1:14: “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us, and we saw his glory, the glory of the Father’s only Son, full of grace and truth.” In this portrayal, Joseph stands by Mary, gazing lovingly down at the newborn King.
8. The Eastern Chancel Clerestory Window
In the Great Upper Church, the eastern chancel clerestory window, also known as the Mary window, centers around the Assumption and Our Lady of Holy Hostýn. To the left of the main window, the nativity is also depicted in brilliant stained glass.
9. The Nativity Chapel
In the Great Upper Church, you can find Joseph portrayed in the Nativity Chapel mosaic. This depiction shows Joseph in rich red robes with a golden aureole around his head, standing behind Mary and the baby Jesus.
10. The Holy Family Stained-Glass Window
In the Campanile anteroom, you can find St. Joseph portrayed in a stained glass window with Mary and Jesus. A gift from Margaret Gavigan, the window was designed and installed by Charles J. Connick Associates in 1965.
Source:
Rohling, Geraldine M., PhD, MAEd. The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception: Guide and Tour Book. Washington, D.C.: Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, 2018.
