Mary and Joseph in the Chapel

By: Sophie Wagner

Our chapel has two unique, hand-carved statues of Mary and Joseph. The statues are placed in front of a cross’s stained-glass window. Joseph stands on the left side, while Mary stands on the right. In between the two is where we keep the monstrance. On the wall behind the figures, there are the stations of the cross. On the left is the third station: Jesus Falls the First Time. On the right is the second station: Jesus Takes Up His Cross.

The statue of Mary is one of three depictions of Mary in the chapel. The other two include a portrait of her radiant face and the fourth station when Jesus meets his mother. The statue portrays Mary with her hands held as if in prayer. This is a good representation of Jesus’s mother; she trusts in God. Her face illustrates a sense of peace and kindness, like a gentle mother.

Saint Joseph is shown holding a chisel and a hammer. As the foster father of Jesus, Joseph was a strong foundation for his family. He protected and kept them safe, for example, when he led Mary and Jesus to Egypt to escape Herod. In 2021, the Church celebrated the year of Saint Joseph, commemorating the 150th anniversary of Pope Pius IX, declaring him the Church’s Patron. Saint Joseph is a father figure for all Catholics.

Next time you visit the chapel, pray to Mother Mary and Saint Joseph the Worker. Take a look at the statues and meditate on their lives. It’s not just those statues that have significance. All the art and icons in the chapel have a significant background. See our other Ram Page articles to learn more.

Here’s the photo of Mary and Joseph in the Chapel: