Sculpture ‘Let the Oppressed go free!’ on display in Armagh Cathedral 14 –18 March

A six foot model of a sculpture by renowned Canadian sculptor Tim Schmalz will be on display in St Patrick's Cathedral  Armagh from Tuesday 14 – Saturday 18 March.  The piece is called 'Let the Oppressed Go Free'.  It features St Josephine Bakhita releasing a host of human trafficking victims from the 'underground' thus letting them be seen and to be free.

 

Timothy Schmalz is a Canadian sculptor whose bronze sculpture ‘Angels Unawares’ was installed in St. Peter’s Square in the Vatican in 2019.  That 20ft sculpture depicts a group of migrants and refugees on a boat from diverse cultures and historical moments. The title is a reference to Hebrews 13:2 which says ‘Remember always to welcome strangers, for by doing this, some people have entertained angels without knowing it.’

 

He is also well known through his piece ‘Homeless Jesus’ which has been reproduced in many cities around the world, including Dublin. Cardinal Michael Czerny, who was key to the commissioning of both 'Angels Unawares' and 'Let the Oppressed Go Free' has stated that - 

 

One full size (20ft) bronze of 'Let the Oppressed Go Free' will be installed / unveiled this June where St Bakhita is buried in Italy. Other full bronzes of the piece have been created for America and Canada.

The hope is that with the help of a Patron in US, a full size bronze (20ft) of 'Let the Oppressed Go Free' will come to Ireland.