This image made an impression in Rome: Jesus wrapped in a blanket, lying on a public bench with his face hidden. He looks like any homeless person, until you see the wounds on his feet which reveal the truth of his identity.
The artist is Timothy Schmalz, who has placed this image in other major cities around the world, such as New York, Madrid, and London.
Now, this powerful image of Jesus, one that calls people have charity with the poor, has also been installed in one of Christendom’s major pilgrimage centers: Santiago de Compostela.
There, the archbishop unveiled the sculpture in a location that does not go unnoticed: the Pilgrim’s Office, one of the most symbolic places. Every pilgrim passes through this office to receive the certificate that confirms their completion of the Camino de Santiago.
This is not the only sculpture by Schmalz along the Camino. Near another town, there is a similar piece: on one side it appears to be a homeless person, but on the other side, it is clearly an angel. These are the artist’s appeals—reminders to live out charity and to find God in those who have nothing to give in return.
BAM
CRT
