Statuary, Stations & Nativities

Jesus, Mary & Holy Family

Statues of Jesus and Mary are the most common devotional figures in a Catholic church. They stand on side altars, in Marian shrines and in outdoor grottos. The pieces here run from 18.5 to 24.5 in tall. They are cast in resin or a resin and stone blend and finished either in full color, in white, or in a gray stone texture. Some are made in Italy; some are rated for outdoor placement.

Choose by placement first. For an indoor altar, a hand-painted Sacred Heart such as the Joseph's Studio or BC Catholic figures gives detail that reads from a short distance. For a grotto or garden, the Vittoria white Sacred Heart or the Joseph's Studio Our Lady of Grace is made to stand outdoors. Parishes with a Guadalupe devotion will want the 18.5 in figure with rays and crescent moon.

5 jesus, mary & holy family

Each statue below is listed with its height, material, finish and whether the maker rates it for outdoor use.

Side by side

The specifications the makers publish, in one table.

Questions before you order

What height works for a Sacred Heart statue on a side altar?

A 24 in statue is the standard size for a side altar or pedestal shrine in a parish church. It is visible from the first rows of pews without overwhelming the altar. Smaller chapels and adoration rooms can use the same size on a lower stand.

Can a hand-painted statue be used in an outdoor grotto?

Full-color indoor statues are not made for weather. For a grotto, choose a piece rated indoor or outdoor, such as the white Vittoria Sacred Heart or the gray Our Lady of Grace. Both use resin blends meant for rain and sun.

How should a resin Marian statue be cleaned?

Wipe indoor statues with a dry or slightly damp soft cloth. Outdoor statues can be rinsed with a hose and washed with mild soap. Do not use bleach, solvents or pressure washers, which strip paint and roughen the surface. Let the statue dry fully before replacing it.

Is a base or pedestal included?

Each of these statues stands on its own molded base. For a church, a separate pedestal or wall bracket raises the figure to viewing height. Use the width and depth the maker lists, for example 9.25 by 7 in for the Joseph's Studio Sacred Heart, to size the pedestal top.