st. joseph altar

Near and around the Basilica’s ambulatory, radiating chapels can be found. Each pays tribute to those who served as inspirations to Father Baker throughout his life’s work in building his “City of Charity.”

They include: St. Patrick, commemorating the original church on the site; St. Vincent de Paul, whose works with the poor and needy inspired Father Baker’s own; the Sacred Heart of Jesus; and St. Joseph.

The St. Joseph altar features a statue of him holding the hand of the Christ Child with his right hand and a lily in his left.  A number of lilies, the flower associated with St. Joseph can be found in this area.

Murals surrounding it tell the story of Joseph’s life, depicting his carpentry shop, the dream of the angel, his espousal to the Blessed Mother and his death.