A
striking sculpture of Jesus, depicted as a homeless man sleeping on a
park bench, was presented to Pope Francis following the general audience
in St Peter’s Square on Wednesday.
The unusual art work was brought
over from Canada by sculptor Timothy Schmalz who has been exploring the
contemporary face of Christian art for over two decades.
The large
bronze sculpture was inspired by an encounter the artist had with a
homeless person on the streets of Toronto several years ago, an
experience that brought new insight into the Gospel passage about caring
for the hungry, the thirsty, the naked and the strangers in our midst.
Just
before the audience, Philippa Hitchen sat down with Timothy Schmalz to
find out more about his work, his faith and his gift for the Pope….
"...what
the Gospels and what Christianity provides is an endless well of
creative possibilities.....what I try to do is come up with new
perspectives on these eternal truths...."
I went to Toronto...and
saw people, so many of them, lying on the street...I know I used to be
used to that but being away and coming back, it was a shock....
I
created a figure, almost completely wrapped in a sleeping bag, or a
thick, old, rough blanket, and the only thing that's visible is his feet
with the wounds from being on the Cross...
My hope is to have in
most of the big cities this visual message....a sculpture is almost
like a 24/7 preacher, if it's outside....so that people will have more
concern about the homeless.."