Installed
St. Joseph Catholic Church
Fremont, California
Life-size bronze Holy Family sculpture
Heart of the Family
Christ at the Center
An original Indweller sculpture depicting Mary, Joseph, and the young Jesus united in a tender embrace, with Christ at the center as the heart of the family.
The story
Story Behind the Sculpture
Heart of the Family presents the Holy Family in an intimate moment of affection and unity. Joseph and Mary lean toward one another while Jesus stands securely between them, surrounded by the love of both parents.
The composition is intentionally designed around the image of a heart. Mary and Joseph’s touching heads create the upper curves, while their joined hands complete the form below. At the very center of that heart stands Jesus.
The symbolism gives the sculpture its name: Christ is quite literally at the heart of the family. It is an image not only of the Holy Family, but of the Christian family’s vocation to place Jesus at the center of its life and love.
What the details mean
Symbolism in the Sculpture
The Heart-Shaped Composition
The touching heads of Mary and Joseph and their joined hands create the visual outline of a heart, transforming the entire family grouping into a symbol of love.
Jesus at the Center
Jesus occupies the center of the composition—and the center of the heart itself. The placement expresses the sculpture’s central message: Christ is the heart of the family.
The Family Embrace
The three figures are physically connected rather than standing independently. Their closeness communicates protection, belonging, tenderness, and the bonds of family life.
Mary and Joseph’s Joined Hands
Their hands meet across Jesus, suggesting the unity of husband and wife and the shared vocation of parenthood.
Ideal for
Heart of the Family is especially suited for Catholic churches, schools, family-life ministries, marriage and family centers, retreat centers, parish courtyards, gardens, and other spaces dedicated to strengthening Catholic family life.
Options
Available in
Available in multiple sizes and suitable for both indoor and outdoor installation.
Materials
- Bronze
- Fiberglass
- Resin Stone
Sizes
- Miniature
- Half-Life Size
- Life-Size
- Monumental
Scripture reflection
Scripture Reflection
“And over all these put on love, that is, the bond of perfection.”— Colossians 3:14
Christian family life is built through countless acts of love—between husband and wife, parents and children, and ultimately between the family and God.
Heart of the Family makes that relationship visible. Mary and Joseph surround Jesus with their love, yet it is Jesus who stands at the center, reminding us that the deepest unity of the Christian family is found in Christ.
Seen in place
Heart of the Family in the community
Looking for Something Unique?
Every community has its own story to tell. If you don't see exactly what you're looking for in the Indweller Collection, our artists can work with you to create an original sculpture designed specifically for your church, school, cemetery, hospital, or campus.