Fine Art serves the mission of caring for those experiencing homelessness in Lafayette.
The Homeless Jesus sculpture by globally-recognized artist, Timothy Schmalz, was recently gifted to Catholic Charities of Acadiana by a generous donor in honor of our 50th Anniversary. The sculpture was installed in front of the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist and blessed by Bishop Deshotel on May 11, 2023.
The Homeless Jesus is a life-sized depiction of a shrouded, sleeping figure lying on a park bench. The cacooned figure’s head is obscured. Shoeless feet protrude. The individual is clearly homeless. Moving closer one notices two deep wounds in the individual’s bare feet. Clearly, these are not wounds incurred by shoeless roaming, but are the nail wounds that Jesus suffered in his own crucifixion.
“Art translates into meaningful terms that which is ineffable,” said St. John Paul the Great in his ‘Letter to Artists’.”
This quote holds true in the Homeless Jesus sculpture which visually represents, in a profoundly evocative and deeply meditative way, what Jesus says in Matthew 25 “Whatever you do for the least of my brothers, you do for me.” (Matthew 25: 45)
Looking again at the image, one notices that the sleeping figure is positioned in such a way as to leave space on the bench near his feet. This intentional feature beckons to passersby, inviting individuals to sit and rest in willing accompaniment of the sufferer, further evoking thoughts of Scriptures like the Good Samaritan (Luke 10: 25-37).
It is Catholic Charities of Acadiana’s hope that this sculpture will inspire all who see it to follow the example of Christ and to live out His call to “love the poor in our midst and loving Him in His most distressing disguise” (St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta).
Click here to learn more about Timothy Schmalz whose artwork has been recognized by Pope Francis and has been displayed in the Vatican.
Click here to access the article in the Acadiana Advocate.
Click here to read an online version of St. Pope John Paul the Great’s “Letter to Artists”.
Click here to listen to St. Pope John Paul the Great’s “Letter to Artists” being read aloud.