Manila Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula on Sunday, April 10, blessed the image of the "Homeless Jesus" outside the Manila Cathedral in Intramuros.
The cardinal blessed the image before presiding the Palm Sunday Mass.
In his homily, Advincula expressed hope that the image will help people see Jesus in the poor.
"Palm Sunday is also Alay Kapwa Sunday, we are invited to listen to the tiny voices of our brothers and sisters who are in need of our care, support and love," he said.
"The image of the‘ Homeless Jesus ’speaks to us, cries out to us, to hear the voice of Jesus and see him in our brothers and sisters who have no place in our society and no place in our hearts," added Advincula.
Fr. Kali Llamado, the vice rector of the Manila Cathedral, also echoed what the cardinal said.
"May this sculpture not only beclme a place for visits or pictures but a space to deepen our prayer and to convert and change our hearts," he said.
The “Homeless Jesus” is an artwork of Timothy Schmalz which depicts Jesus, identifiable by the wounds on his feet, sleeping on a street bench wrapped in a blanket.
Schmalz brought Jesus into a relatable human context to allow people to feel a greater closeness with and accessibility to Christ.