Advincula unveils 'Homeless Jesus' at Manila Cathedral

MANILA, Philippines — Manila Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula unveiled yesterday the “Homeless Jesus” image at the Manila Cathedral and enjoined the faithful who gathered for Palm Sunday Mass to be generous to the poor.

“Palm Sunday is also Alay Kapwa Sunday. We are invited to listen to the voices of our brothers and sisters who are in need of our care, support and love,” Advincula said in his homily.

Alay Kapwa Sunday is a Lenten evangelization and fund-raising program of the Archdiocese of Manila’s social service arm Caritas Manila.

Shortly before the celebration of the mass, the Cardinal unveiled and blessed the three-dimensional image of the Homeless Jesus, a sculpture by Canadian artist Timothy Schmalz, which is now a permanent fixture at the patio of the cathedral in Intramuros, Manila.

Made of bronze, the religious artwork depicts Jesus, identifiable by the wounds on his feet, sleeping on a street bench and wrapped in a blanket.

It aims to rouse reflection and conversations on how people can care for the poor and homeless in the community.