A NEW sculpture unveiled in Townsville is likely to prove both poignant and confronting.
Jesus the Homeless, is a bronze sculpture by Canadian sculptor Timothy Schmalz that depicts Jesus as a homeless person, sleeping on a park bench.
Exactly where the sculpture will be exhibited in Townsville is yet to be decided.
The Homeless Jesus sculpture proved a “great surprise” when it was unveiled in front of 1600 delegates attending the opening session of the recent Townsville Catholic Education Office Illuminating Life gathering.
“I met the artist last year in Toronto and I was given a replica of Homeless Jesus as a gift. I was moved by the power of the sculpture and asked the leadership team to consider getting a full-sized sculpture for Townsville to mark the Year of Mercy,” TCEO learning, teaching and Catholic identity director Ernie Christie said.
Pope Francis has installed a sculpture of Homeless Jesus at the Vatican outside the Pope’s Charity office.
The sculpture poignantly and powerfully depicts Jesus in the world today. It was inspired by chapter 25 of Matthew’s Gospel.
Delegates at the Illuminating Life gathering were drawn to the sculpture throughout the event.
“The space at Jesus’ feet invited people to sit a while with Christ and people naturally did so,” Mr Christie said.
“There were hundreds of photos taken with the sculpture as people were moved by the strong feelings it invoked in them.”
Diocesan administrator Fr Mick Lowcock was supportive of the commissioning of the sculpture.
“This sculpture is the perfect image of Mercy and it brings the Corporal Works of Mercy alive in everyone who sees it and takes the time to reflect upon it; it is a representation that suggests Christ is with the most marginalised in our society,” Fr Lowcock said.
The diocese and the Catholic Education Office are still deciding where Jesus the Homeless should be placed.
During the gathering, many people supported the sculpture occupying a high-profile public location along the Strand, Jezzine Barracks or in Queens Gardens. “We will be entering discussions with the Townsville City Council to discuss this, but some believe that the sculpture could be too confronting to the community where many wish to block out those in our midst who are marginalised or forgotten,” Fr Lowcock said. “If we are unable to come to an agreement then the grounds of the Sacred Heart Cathedral would also be suitable.” It is believed that Townsville is the first Australian city to have a Jesus the Homeless sculpture.
