Installed
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Life-size bronze Holy Family for an African American parish
Walking in Nazareth
The Holy Family, Together in Love
An original Indweller sculpture depicting Mary, Joseph, and the young Jesus as a joyful family, capturing the tenderness, protection, and everyday love of the Holy Family.
The story
Story Behind the Sculpture
Walking in Nazareth invites us to imagine the Holy Family not as distant figures, but as a real family sharing the ordinary moments of life together.
Jesus rides joyfully on Joseph’s shoulders, his small hands resting on his father’s head. Mary walks closely beside them, embraced by Joseph as the three figures become one connected composition. Their gestures communicate affection, security, and belonging.
Created as an African American Holy Family, the sculpture also reflects the universality of Christ and the importance of sacred art in which the faithful can recognize themselves. For African American Catholic communities in particular, Walking in Nazareth offers an image of the Holy Family that is both deeply Catholic and beautifully representative.
What the details mean
Symbolism in the Sculpture
Jesus on Joseph’s Shoulders
The young Christ is shown secure and joyful in Joseph’s care—a reminder that the Son of God truly entered human family life and entrusted Himself to earthly parents.
Joseph’s Protective Embrace
Joseph surrounds his family physically, expressing his vocation as protector and guardian of Mary and Jesus.
Mary Beside Joseph
Mary is not separated from the scene or presented formally. She walks alongside her family, reinforcing the warmth and humanity of their life together in Nazareth.
African American Representation
Mary, Joseph, and Jesus are depicted with African American features, offering sacred art in which African American Catholics can encounter the Holy Family through imagery that reflects their own families and communities.
The Connected Composition
The three figures overlap and touch, visually forming a single family unit bound together by love.
Ideal for
Walking in Nazareth is especially suited for Catholic churches, African American Catholic parishes, Catholic schools, family-life ministries, parish courtyards, gardens, gathering spaces, and other Catholic institutions seeking a joyful representation of the Holy Family.
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 Jesus advanced in wisdom and age and favor before God and man.” — Luke 2:52
Much of Jesus’ childhood remains hidden from us. Scripture gives only glimpses of those years in Nazareth—a life of family, work, prayer, growth, and love.
Walking in Nazareth gives visual form to that hidden life. It reminds us that holiness is not found only in extraordinary moments. It can be formed in the daily acts of loving, protecting, teaching, laughing, working, and simply walking through life together.
Seen in place
Walking in Nazareth 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.