MANILA – Manila Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula has expressed hope that the life-size statue portraying Jesus Christ as a homeless beggar installed at the Baclaran Church would serve as a reminder for the faithful to show mercy to the poor.
The prelate made the remark as he led the statue's blessing and unveiling rites on Thursday, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) news website reported on Friday.
“May this sculpture prompt us to show kindness and solidarity with our neglected brothers and sisters,” it added.
The sculpture was installed to encourage charity and “nurture devotion through a genuine concern for the most abandoned and the poor".
After the blessing and unveiling of the bronze statue, Advincula presided over a Mass in celebration of the feast of Our Mother of Perpetual Help.
“This image honors above all the truth that Christ is the visible image of the invisible God,” Advincula said.
Canadian sculptor Timothy Schmalz, a renowned artist for his large-scale masterpieces, created the statue titled “When I was hungry and thirsty,” which is part of the “Matthew 25” series.
Among his works include the “Angels Unawares” installed in the Vatican’s St. Peter’s Square and the “Homeless Jesus” at the Manila Cathedral in Intramuros.
Schmalz described his sculptures as a way to evangelize, particularly to people who may not realize they are seeking Christ in their lives.
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