Welcome to Episode 3 of my podcast, When in Rome, Touch the Art!

In this episode, I introduce the very first sculpture I ever installed in Rome: When I Was Hungry and Thirsty.

I share the story of how this piece found its home at the entrance of the Santo Spirito Hospital, one of the oldest hospitals in the world, located just steps from St. Peter’s Square.

I reflect on the incredible history of this site—from the work that once impressed Martin Luther to the moments where the Church first institutionalized the care of the poor and sick.

I also discuss the spiritual process of creating this work, which began on a Good Friday and was born out of a desire for the most humble representation of Jesus: sitting cross-legged, cloaked in mystery, and accessible only to those willing to get on their hands and knees to see His face. We’ll explore why religious art must be raw and unpolished to truly reflect the intensity of Scripture and how a piece designed to be "part of the environment" has now spread from Rome to New York, the Philippines, and Bethlehem.

Finally, I talk about my role as an "artistic soldier" for the Church and why it is so vital to use art to bring the closed pages of the Bible out into the streets, where everyone can encounter the eternal truths of our faith.

When in Rome, Touch the Art is a production by ⁠La Machi Communication for Good Causes⁠ Executive Producer: Juan della Torre Follow the show so you don't miss an episode of Season 1!

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