On Monday, July 31, 2017 Archbishop Chares J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap. presided over the blessing and dedication of Pennsylvania’s first Homeless Jesus statue at Saint John’s Hospice (SJH), a ministry of Catholic Social Services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia (CSS).
For over 45 years, SJH has provided crucial and life-sustaining services with dignity, respect, and compassion. Each weekday, this outreach ministry provides a nutritious and hot noon meal for more than 325 men as well as case management services, on-site nursing services, daily showers, and mailroom services for over 900 men. Each year, it provides residential services for over 250 men transitioning from homelessness to independent living in the community.
The life-size bronze statue was sculpted by world-renowned Canadian artist Mr. Timothy P. Schmalz, and commissioned by The George C. Beyer Family.
The Homeless Jesus statue has been installed in more than 50 cities worldwide, the most prominent location being in front of the Papal Office of Charities at the Vatican. The statue represents the presence of Christ among the most marginalized and vulnerable members of society. It depicts the Savior, shrouded in a blanket with His face covered, lying on a park bench. Wounds from the crucifixion are visible on the statue’s bare feet. The statue measures 3 feet high, 2 feet deep and 7 feet long, and is located at SJH where homeless men daily enter for a noon meal.
Mr. Schmalz and members of The George C. Beyer Family attended the blessing and dedication, along with Auxiliary Bishop John J. McIntyre, who oversees the Secretariat for Catholic Human Services in the Archdiocese.
In addition, Mr. Schmalz offered remarks about his various pieces of art depicting the Corporal Works of Mercy enumerated in Matthew 25: 31-40. Mr. James Amato, Secretary for Catholic Human Services, also offered remarks about those served through the charitable ministries of the Archdiocese including SJH.
Following the conclusion of the blessing and dedication, Archbishop Chaput, Mr. Schmaltz, and the benefactor Ms. Karen Beyer served a hot noon meal to approximately 300 needy and homeless men from the SJH Day Service Program.
