A bronze sculpture by Canadian Catholic artist Timothy Schmalz, titled When I Was Hungry and Thirsty, was blessed on August 2 at St. Joseph’s Church in Fanling as part of the Diocese of Hong Kong’s Jubilee Year celebrations, Sunday Examiner reported.
Father Joseph Chan Wing-chiu, vicar general, presided over the ceremony and expressed gratitude to parishioners of Fanling and Sheung Shui for their outreach to those in need. “May we always recognise the presence of Jesus in the lives of the impoverished and famished,” he said, inviting the faithful to see the suffering Christ in today’s hungry and thirsty.
The sculpture depicts Jesus seated on the ground with a pierced hand outstretched in plea, symbolically calling attention to the overlooked and hidden poor. Located between the church’s old and new wings, the piece serves as a reminder of Christian service.
Following the blessing, the diocesan Jubilee preparatory committee organised sharing sessions focused on the needs of the elderly. Parish pastoral care members encouraged seniors to play an active role in community life, while Caritas representatives highlighted the elderly’s longing not only for physical support but also for appreciation, love, and reconciliation.
According to Sunday Examiner, the day concluded with a Jubilee Mass celebrated by Father Chan together with Father Fernando Cagnin, PIME. When I Was Hungry and Thirsty is the fifth Schmalz sculpture installed in the diocese during the Jubilee Year.
Radio Veritas Asia (RVA), a media platform of the Catholic Church, aims to share Christ. RVA started in 1969 as a continental Catholic radio station to serve Asian countries in their respective local language, thus earning the tag “the Voice of Asian Christianity.” Responding to the emerging context, RVA embraced media platforms to connect with the global Asian audience via its 21 language websites and various social media platforms.
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