Begging Jesus sculpture unveiled at Baclaran Church

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 —  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 “When I Was Hungry and Thirsty,” portrayed Jesus sitting on the floor with an empty cup and plate—a 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: “The King will reply, ‘Truly, I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’”

Among Schmalz’s notable works are the “Angels Unawares,” installed at St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City and the “Homeless Jesus” at the Manila Cathedral.

During the blessing and unveiling ceremony of the statue, led by Cardinal Jose Advincula, he said that the image “honors above all the truth that Christ is the visible image of the invisible God,” as quoted by a news report from the Catholic Bishops’ 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.