I came across this statue while visiting the Oklahoma City Memorial. It caught my eye and I had to go see it. This amazing statue is located directly across the street from the Memorial and demands your attention. It was commissioned by the St Joseph Catholic Church and is located on the site of the church's Parish House, which was damaged by the OKC bombing and had to be demolished as a result of the damage. It was dedicated on April 19, 1998, the anniversary of the bombing. Nashert Constructors Inc. was tasked with bulding this important sculpture.
The 9-foot sculpture is made of white stone and is perched on an 8-inch white stone base, that is on top of an 18-inch granite base. The sculpture depicts Jesus, who is facing away from the bombing site with his face in in the palm of his right hand, as if he is disappointed. His shoulders are hunched, giving a look of extreme anguish. The sculpture is located on a small plaza area. The sculpture is facing a black granite wall that has 168 niches, designed to hold prayer candles. The niches symbolize the 168 lives lost in the bombing. The statue is surrounded by black granite pillars of various heights. It is not confirmed but the pillars are rumored to represent the 19 children killed in the bombing.
Viewers will find an inscription that reads: "AND JESUS WEPT / John 11 / On April 19, 1995 at 9:02AM, a bomb exploded just a few hundred feet east of here. In that instant and the ensuing calamity, 168 people were known to be killed. Devastation covered this area. The parish house which stood on this corner was demolished and Saint Joseph Old Cathedral was severely damaged.
This is a powerful sculpture, by itself and its genesis and meaning makes it that much more powerful. It is a symbol of hope, and prayer. The statue is in good shape, but is starting to show signs of wear. I saw some visible cracks on the statue.
There is metered street parking and a commercial garage within a reasonable walking distance to the statue. I recommend coupling a visit to this statue with a visit to the memorial across the street. This is a must see while you are in OKC. I wish I could give this sculpture a 6th star. read more