Homeless Jesus sculpture blessed on World Day of the Poor

During Sunday’s ninth annual World Day of the Poor, an anti-poverty effort of the Catholic Church, St. Peter’s Parish in Portland hosted a special Mass celebrated by Bishop James Ruggieri and concelebrated by Pastor of the Portland Peninsula & Island Parishes Fr. Seamus Griesbach.

Following the Mass, Bishop Ruggieri blessed a sculpture by renowned Canadian artist Timothy Schmalz. The Homeless Jesus sculpture, which has been placed in the newly constructed grotto alongside St. Peter’s Church on Federal Street, depicts Christ on a park bench under a blanket, His only identifying marker the wounds on His feet.

In his homily, Bishop Ruggieri shared a word about the artist’s inspiration.

“The Homeless Christ statue was inspired by his encounter with a man sleeping on a park bench in Toronto. Many walked past without noticing. But something in that moment opened his heart. He sensed the truth of Matthew 25: that Christ identifies Himself with the poor, the vulnerable, and the unseen.”

Organized by St. Peter’s Director of Music Jim Ciampi, the event featured a virtual presentation by Schmaltz during which he shared his process and gave a video tour of his studio. Schmalz’s sculptures have been installed all over the world, including two pieces in St. Peter’s Square in the Vatican.

Schmalz sees artwork as a way to spread the Gospel. “It is an everyday reminder that every human life is sacred.”

Following his presentation, Schmalz was asked which of his many sculptures makes him the proudest. His answer was Homeless Jesus.

“The message is so powerful and authentic to our spirituality – Jesus is not just there to make you feel good.”

“As we bless this statue today, may the Lord renew in us a deep love for all who suffer, both outside these walls and within our own homes,” said Bishop Ruggieri. May He give us the courage to serve, the wisdom to accompany, and the imagination to seek new paths of mercy.”