DEAR EDITOR:

Youngstown is about to complete a heroic project of having all six of Timothy P. Schmalz statues of Matthew 25:35 within one mile of one another, making it the only city in the world besides Rome, Cleveland and Detroit. The project will be complete with dedication of the Jesus statue, “I was in Prison,” at Trinity United Methodist Church in Youngstown.

The project began after Father Nick Shori passed away April 20, 2016. In his will, he requested the Timothy P. Schmalz statue of “Homeless Jesus” be placed in the Youngstown Diocese. His statue was placed outside St. Columba Cathedral. A Mass and statue dedication were April 20, 2021.

Several events masterminded by Tony Frey, longtime Canadian friend of Father Shori, resulted in placement of five statues within a mile of each other.

St. John Episcopal Church, near YSU, dedicated the statue, ” I was Naked,” to Michael George Lowry Jr., a Catholic drug counselor and victim of drug addiction, honoring others who died of drug addiction. First Presbyterian Church dedicated “I was Hungry and Thirsty,” in memory of a godly church woman and ordained elder, Sue J. Van Zandt. The fourth statue, “I was Sick,” attracted attention of Chief Clinical Officer Dr. James Kravec and Paul Homick of Mercy Health Foundation at St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital, placed outside the hospital. Sept. 8, 2022, a ceremony presided over by Bishop David Bonnar dedicated the statue to victims of COVID and their health care workers.

May 4, 2023, National Day of Prayer, the downtown YMCA’s statue, “I was a Stranger,” donated by families of Mr. and Mrs. Tom Gacse, YMCA president and CEO, and the Kidstons, was dedicated. For years the YMCA offered accommodations where strangers would come for shelter, feeling safe and welcome. The late Tony Lariccia’s father came to Youngstown from Italy and found comfort and housing at the YMCA. He always was indebted to the YMCA for their welcome.

Finally, the last cornerstone will be at Trinity UMC, near Mahoning County Courthouse and former Mahoning County Jail. The statue, “I was in Prison,” will be dedicated to honor the late Kenneth Lyle Schafer, YSU teacher and counselor. He was executive director of the Organization of Protestant Men and dedicated his life to Christian ministry in hospitals and jails. His legacy is a fitting tribute to finalize the Matthew 25:35 project started by Father Shori.

The “I was in Prison ” presentation will be at Trinity United Methodist Church, 30 W. Front St., 10 a.m. Sept. 9. Starting with an organ recital by Sean Baron, followed by dedication and then refreshments.

Upon the project’s completion, citizens of Youngstown will be proud of this accomplishment, realizing other cities worldwide will try to emulate our true ecumenical Christian spirit of cooperation.

DR. CHARLES WILKINS

Youngstown