Marvelous isn’t it? This Saint Joseph statue before us. It’s not just a statue. It’s a survivor a silent witness to centuries of Parisian history. This magnificent piece is part of a larger group called the Nativity. It includes the Virgin Mary and baby Jesus. Michel Anguier sculpted the whole thing in Carrara marble. That’s the same exquisite marble used by Michelangelo.
The Nativity was originally commissioned in 1665. Queen Anne of Austria ordered it. She wanted to adorn the high altar of the Eglise du Val-de-Grace. It was a thank you for the birth of her grandson the future King Louis XIV. Imagine the grandeur the church must have held. The Nativity was placed there in 1668.
The French Revolution shook France. Churches were closed. Decorations were scattered. The Nativity was separated. Each statue went its own way. Saint Joseph found a home in the Musee des Monuments Francais. Later it arrived at the Eglise Saint-Roch on March 28 1805. The Virgin Mary and baby Jesus joined him on May 6 1805.
The Val-de-Grace Church wanted its Nativity back. They requested its return from the Eglise Saint-Roch. But the priest Nicolas Theodore Olivier refused. So what happened? Napoleon III ordered an exact copy for the Val-de-Grace. The original however remained here at Eglise Saint-Roch. It’s a testament to the tenacity of a Parisian priest. And it’s a true treasure for us to see. It even became a historical monument on February 20 1905.
Look closely at Saint Joseph. Notice the detail the emotion in his face. He holds the infant Jesus. The child blesses those who look upon him. It’s a powerful image. It speaks of faith protection and love. It’s a piece of history a work of art. More importantly it’s a powerful reminder of faith’s resilience and the enduring power of art. This Saint Joseph statue at the Eglise Saint-Roch is more than just a statue. It’s a story. It’s a legacy. And it’s here for us all to appreciate.