AN art piece of Jesus Christ created by homeless Filipinos was given to Pope Francis and was personally received by the Pontiff at the Vatican last week.
In a social media post, St. Arnold Janssen Kalinga Center founder Fr. Flavie Villanueva said he was able to personally give the art piece called “Kristo sa Kariton” to Pope Francis during his weekly audience in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican last November 16.
“Before giving me his blessing, he pulled me up and while holding ‘Kristo sa Kariton’, he looked at me and asked, ‘Is this for me?’” Villanueva said.
“When I handed to our beloved Pope Francis the ‘Kristo Sa Kariton’, he was intently listening to me. I briefly shared with him the mission of St. Arnold Janssen Kalinga Foundation,” he added.
The “Kristo sa Kariton” is an art piece showing Christ riding a cart while breaking bread with a child.
The piece was designed by Villanueva, created by Chris Jorge, and produced by the poor and homeless residents of the St. Arnold Janssen Kalinga Center.
“This ‘Christ in the Cart’ is a labor of love by homeless beneficiaries seeking to restore their self-worth and dignity,” Villanueva said.
“‘Kristo sa Kariton’ is a gentle and thoughtful reminder that God is there all around. May you also be a blessing and ‘bread’ to those around you,” added Villanueva.
Established in 2015 by Villanueva, the Center is an institution serving Metro Manila’s homeless and poorest of the poor.
Among the programs being provided by the Center are meals, hygiene, clothing, and shelter, among others.
