On Friday, September 5, a new sculpture of Saint Charles Acutis, who was canonized yesterday by Pope Leo XIV in a ceremony held in St. Peter’s Square, was inaugurated at the entrance to the Bishopric, following the evening Mass at St. Mary Major. There are two statues in the complex of the Shrine of the Dispossession: one celebrating Saint Francis, and another dedicated to Acutis, who was buried in these very places.

The work was made in bronze by the Canadian artist Timothy Paul Schmalz and blessed by the bishop of the diocese of Assisi – Nocera Umbra – Gualdo Tadino and Foligno,  Monsignor Domenico Sorrentino, in the presence of the rector of the Sanctuary of the Despoxation, Father Marco Gaballo, the mayor of Assisi, Valter Stoppini, and some Capuchin friars, including Father Carlos Acácio Gonçalves Ferreira, former rector of the same Sanctuary.

“This is a beautiful moment that enriches this great history. Since 2006, what’s happening here has been truly astonishing. I myself, who was involved from the very beginning in this history of grace, never stop seeing beautiful things, and sometimes I can’t believe my eyes. The Lord has truly looked upon this, his beloved city, Assisi, this city blessed by its great saints, Saints Francis and Clare, and has wanted to make a new plant blossom here, a flower that speaks to the world, following in the footsteps of the two saints who characterize Assisi,” said Bishop Sorrentino, referring to San Carlo Acutis.

The bishop further explained: “When I arrived here, I hadn’t even heard of him. In 2006, I arrived and he died. I began to hear his name mentioned in the cemetery in Assisi. People came looking for his tomb; then a great sign in the parish of Saint Mary Major, which I wanted to entrust to the Capuchins in anticipation of this Shrine, which at the time I couldn’t imagine to be so beautiful and important, and then I had a great sign.” Monsignor Sorrentino defined the statue as “worthy of being in this place next to Saint Francis, who naturally shines. Francis is the giant, and Carlo, at his side, is the child: the child who knew how to climb on the giant’s shoulders, because that is what holiness is. Holiness is always going higher and climbing on the shoulders of giants to reach Jesus.”

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About the sculpture
Name:  St. Carlo
Author:  Timothy Schmalz
Material:  Bronze
Location:  Santuario della Spogliazione, Assisi (Italy)

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About Timothy Schmalz

For over 25 years, Timothy Schmalz has been creating large-scale sculptures. Schmalz is a figurative artist, and his pieces have been installed all over the world. Some of his most recognized works rest in historic sites in Italy, Canada, the United States, and the Vatican and have been blessed by Pope Francis: Homeless Jesus, Angels Unawares, Homeless Jesus, Mary, Untier of Knots, Sheltering, and Let the Oppressed Go Free. Tim describes his work as visual translations of the Bible. While most of his sculptures are based on a spiritual theme, he also creates large and complex public bronze sculptures. Some of these include monuments honoring veterans and firefighters. Tim strives to create epic works of art that connect with viewers through design and details that not only move the viewer on an emotional level but also allow them to feel somewhat “a part” of the work. Learn more:  https://timothypaulschmalz.com