St. Sabina unveils statue of Jesus weeping over gun violence victim

Father Michael Pfleger, senior pastor of St. Sabina Parish, speaks to media. On March 25, 2024 the parish and Purpose Over Pain unveiled “Thou Shall Not Kill,” a life-sized sculpture by Timothy Schmalz. The statue is a depiction of Jesus kneeling over a modern-day victim of gun violence. The statue is displayed in front of a wall of photos of children lost to gun violence in the church playground facing passersby on Racine Ave. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)

Pamela Bosley, leader of the parish’s Purpose Over Pain group for mothers who lost children to gun violence, holds a photo of her son Terrell who died by gun violence as she addresses media. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)

Phoebe Valdez, whose son died by gun violence on March 25, 2023, speaks to media. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)

Adrienne Swanigan Williams speaks to the media about losing her son to gun violence. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)

Veronica Williams, who lost her son to gun violence, speaks to media. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)

Father Michael Pfleger and Pamela Bosley unveil the statue. Bosley’s son Terrell died by gun violence 18 years ago. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)

Alfreda Roberson hugs another woman who lost a child to gun violence. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)

Father Michael Pfleger speaks to media after unveiling the new statue. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)

Maudell Winburn hugs another woman who lost a child to gun violence. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)

“Thou Shall Not Kill” statue on Racine Avenue. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)