Husband of Mary, Guardian of the Redeemer, Patron of the Church

6 x 8 feet. The central sanctuary sculpture of the Shrine portrays Joseph in his three most important roles as husband of Mary, Guardian of the Redeemer and Patron of the Church. The child Jesus presents to Mary a model of the Santa Cruz Shrine, symbolic of the Church He is to found. With the instruction of Joseph the carpenter, He has fashioned it in the workshop of Nazareth. Strong Joseph in the background has his hands tenderly resting on the shoulders of both Jesus and Mary. He gazes out over all who enter the chapel, assuring his protection to them and to all members of the Mystical Body of Christ.