The Face of St. Joseph Restored (@ St. Joseph Diner)

Several months ago, we shared about the restoration of the St. Joseph Statue located at St. Joseph Diner by committed volunteer, Rachelle Blanchard. Just a few weeks ago, the restored statue of St. Joseph was delivered and installed!  

As Rachelle worked to restore the statue of St. Joseph, these were some reflections we shared:  

When I first encountered the St. Joseph statue years ago, his nose was unceremoniously broken off along with half of his forehead leaving an unsightly deformity in his otherwise comely face. Despite his state, he stayed in St. Joseph Diner, positioned on a small, high, recessed window. 

“A volunteer named Rachelle saw St. Joseph and took pity on him in his state,” Todd explained. “She asked if she could take the statue, restore his form, and paint him back into life. I told her she could. “ 

Through her action, it seems that our patron, St. Joseph, is reminding us that God does through St. Joseph Diner what Rachelle was doing to the statue - God restores.  

Every human being is created in the image and likeness of God. And in every human being this image and likeness of God becomes disfigured, broken, calling out for restoration.  

Sometimes, disfigurement is more externally apparent as in the case of a visible disability, physical or mental illness, homelessness, abuse, and addiction.  

And we serve a God who is not in the business of disposing and replacing broken people. God is in the business of healing and restoring them. 

At St. Joseph Diner, our clients, full in human dignity, but broken and disfigured, are reminded of who they are and whose they are. Through a clean space, a warm meal, a friendly smile, a kind word, and an understanding reception, a piece of the process of full restoration can take place. And the statue of our patron, St. Joseph will stand as a reminder of this.  

The installation of the restored St. Joseph statue took place this past August in the way that most things happen at St. Joseph Diner - humbly and sincerely. Rachelle brought the lovingly restored statue. A staff member quietly installed a shelf amid the Diner bustle. Three of us stood around the statue and prayed for St. Joseph’s continued intercession and patronage over St. Joseph Diner...and we went back to our laboring!  

I think this understated way must have secretly pleased St. Joseph for he, himself, was humble, unpretentious, hard-working, and willing to take a seat out of the spotlight.  

May the restored statue of St. Joseph remind us of this same disposition we want to have as staff and volunteers, along with the hope that God has for the restoration of each person who walks through our doors. St. Joseph, pray for us!  

Find your place of service to those who suffer at St. Joseph Diner. Find your shift by clicking here.