Youngstown’s YMCA is inviting members of the public to come downtown and visit a new sculpture created by an artist whose works are designed to spark compassion and other spiritual values.

The downtown “Y” will be dedicating the sculpture, "When I Was a Stranger" on Thursday, May 4th at 10:00 am, in front of their historic Central YMCA at 17 N. Champion St., downtown.

 Funded by private donations, the sculpture of a hooded Christ sitting before six empty seats portray the passage of scripture in Matthew 25:35 and is called "When I Was a Stranger”, which states "I was a stranger and you welcomed me."

The sculpture is one of six that depicts the biblical passage, according to a media release from the YMCA.

The internationally acclaimed sculptor Timothy P. Schmalz, who created the sculpture is dedicated to creating artwork that glorifies Christ.

 

  YMCA

 In addition to Youngstown, there are only three other cities that have all six of the Mathew 23 sculptures, including Rome, Italy; Detroit; and Cleveland.

A replica of another Schmalz sculpture “When I Was Sick” is in front of Mercy Health – St. Elizabeth Youngstown was dedicated in September to victims of the COVID-19 Pandemic and those who cared for them.  Like the original, which sits in Rome, the work depicts a reclining figure of Christ with his arm draped over his face.

Other Schmalz sculptures in the Valley include “Homeless Jesus” at St. Columba Cathedral, “When I Was Naked” at St. John’s Episcopal Church, and “When I Was Hungry & Thirsty” at First Presbyterian Church. Another memorial is planned for Trinity United Methodist Church in Youngstown.

"It is fitting to have 'When I Was a Stranger' at our Y," says Tom Gacse, President and CEO, "because the Y is a welcoming place where all can belong. Central Y has a rich history of welcoming strangers."

Serving the community since the 1800s, housing was provided on the Central Y’s upper floors during the 1900s and immigrants were welcomed from around the world to Youngstown.

The late Tony Lariccia, who was a major donor to the Davis Family YMCA, was advised by his father throughout his childhood and into adulthood to 'not forget about the YMCA...they were there for me when I came to Youngstown from Italy and provided a place to sleep, shower, and live.' Tony did not forget and donated so that the Davis Family Y could be built, all because the Central Y "welcomed a stranger" and made him feel at home.

People are invited to stop by the Central Y and see the new sculpture, take a tour, and learn more about the Y.

In addition to Youngstown, there are only three other cities that have all six of the Mathew 23 sculptures, including Rome, Italy; Detroit; and Cleveland.

A replica of another Schmalz sculpture “When I Was Sick” is in front of Mercy Health – St. Elizabeth Youngstown was dedicated in September to victims of the COVID-19 Pandemic and those who cared for them.  Like the original, which sits in Rome, the work depicts a reclining figure of Christ with his arm draped over his face.

Other Schmalz sculptures in the Valley include “Homeless Jesus” at St. Columba Cathedral, “When I Was Naked” at St. John’s Episcopal Church, and “When I Was Hungry & Thirsty” at First Presbyterian Church. Another memorial is planned for Trinity United Methodist Church in Youngstown.