A bronze sculpture of Jesus sitting on the floor with an empty cup and plate was installed in the compound of the National Shrine of Our Mother of Perpetual Help, also known as the Baclaran Church, on June 27, 2024. It was inspired by Matthew 25:40, aimed at instilling kindness and solidarity for the less fortunate. (Photo courtesy of Baclaran Church|Facebook)
MANILA, Philippines 鈥斅� A life-size sculpture of Jesus Christ depicted as a beggar was installed in the compound of the National Shrine of Our Mother of Perpetual Help, also known as the Baclaran Church, in hopes of instilling kindness and solidarity for the less fortunate.
The bronze sculpture, called 鈥淲hen I Was Hungry and Thirsty,鈥� portrayed Jesus sitting on the floor with an empty cup and plate鈥攁 graphic translation of hunger and thirst, according to the church.
Crafted by Canadian sculptor Timothy P. Schmalz, the church said it was inspired by Matthew 25:40: 鈥淭he King will reply, 鈥楾ruly, I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.鈥欌��
Among Schmalz鈥檚 notable works are the 鈥淎ngels Unawares,鈥� installed at St. Peter鈥檚 Square in Vatican City and the 鈥淗omeless Jesus鈥� at the Manila Cathedral.
During the blessing and unveiling ceremony of the statue, led by Cardinal Jose Advincula, he said that the image 鈥渉onors above all the truth that Christ is the visible image of the invisible God,鈥� as quoted by a news report from the Catholic Bishops鈥� Conference of the Philippines.
The ceremony was followed by a mass celebrating the feast of Our Mother of Perpetual Help.
The statue at Baclaran Church is one of 12 displayed in different parts of the world.