Renowned Canadian artist, Timothy P. Schmalz, of Kitchener, Ontario is devoted to creating artwork that glorifies Christ. He believes that an artist needs an epic subject to create epic art. Mr. Schmalz describes his sculptures as being “visual prayers.”
The artist was recently noted for his controversial work entitled, “Homeless Jesus”, the arresting, life-sized bronze sculpture depicts Jesus as a homeless man, lying on a park bench covered in a blanket. His feet have gaping puncture wounds. In November 2013, Schmalz presented his original, half-sized model of “Homeless Jesus” to Pope Francis. Schmalz’s representative, Tony Frey, said the Pope blessed the model, added it to the Vatican’s art collection and hopes to place a full-size version in Piazza Pia. Now Saint Miriam is home to another one of his masterpieces.
“Whatsoever You Do” is a bronze sculpture representation of charity. It visually signifies how we should see Christ in the poor and the hungry and tells us that we should see our acts of kindness to them, as kindness to God. This sculpture was inspired by the Gospel of Matthew 25:40 and epitomizes the parish of Saint Miriam as it now adorns its entryway. The life-size sculpture will be kept low to the ground, as intended by the artist. As the artist notes, “When I first decided to create this sculpture, I wanted to create the most humble depiction of Christ possible… I realized that, even elevated up on a cross, gave it too much eminence, so I created it on the ground.”
“Whatsoever You Do” , Timothy P. Schmalz
As you approach it, you can’t see Christ’s face. One of the benefits of this is that you will need to kneel down and begin to understand that the message is, “everyone” – when you take a look at this piece you will imagine everyone within the sculpture. Schmalz’s inspiration were the beggars on the streets in Mexico. As he saw them reach out to beg, he imagined the wound of Christ in their hand.
Mr. Schmalz’s purpose is to give Christianity as much visual dignity as possible and we are proud to display one of his timeless masterpieces at Saint Miriam. The 
sculpture is open to the public during normal parish hours, or by appointment and prayer cards, adorned with the image and story, are also available.
Saint Miriam Parish & Day School
475 Norristown Road
Blue Bell, PA 19422
Phone (215) 701-4781
Info@MySaintMiriam.org
Website: http://www.mysaintmiriam.org
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