The press release just landed in my mailbox:
Ave Maria University is honored to receive the first casting of a new bronze sculpture by world-renowned Catholic artist Timothy Schmalz that commemorates the life and legacy of the late Charlie Kirk. This commission is made possible through the generosity of dedicated donors.
The work, depicting Jesus Christ embracing Kirk, will stand as a profound addition to the fine art collection on the University’s campus, honoring Kirk’s public witness of the dignity of the unborn, the sanctity of the family and the existence of objective truth.
Ave Maria University President Mark Middendorf attended a private unveiling of several new sculptures by Schmalz on Sept. 17. That evening, Schmalz revealed a clay work-in-progress of Jesus Christ and Charlie Kirk, which he had begun just days earlier after the tragic shooting that claimed Kirk’s life.
“I was deeply moved by this powerful piece, especially the way in which our resurrected Lord is embracing Charlie,” Middendorf said. “Timothy shared with me that no one had commissioned it — he had simply felt inspired after speaking with his daughter on September 10, the day Charlie was shot. The very next day, he dropped everything and began working on the sculpture as a way to memorialize Charlie’s life and legacy.”
At that event, Middendorf formally asked Schmalz if Ave Maria University could commission the statue. Schmalz accepted, multiple benefactors immediately pledged their support, and the University will receive the first bronze casting once the clay model is completed in January 2026.
“This sculpture is more than a work of art — it is a call for our students to live courageously for Christ,” said Middendorf. “It embodies Ave Maria University’s consecration to the service of the truth (Ex Corde Ecclesiae) and deep commitment to cultivating a joyful community where faith informs every aspect of life. Charlie Kirk left a lasting legacy, and through this piece, we pray it will inspire students to live boldly, love Christ wholeheartedly and radiate His truth and light to the world.”
“I admired Charlie’s search for truth,” said Middendorf. “Engaging in peaceful dialog with others who believe things contrary to ourselves is profoundly needed in our current climate. My hope is that our students will continue to engage our culture with courage, sharing the truths of our Faith.”
The Ave Maria University community responded immediately to news of Kirk’s passing. A Mass was offered for the repose of his soul on the very evening of his death, and on September 14, the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, Deacon Mark Miravalle recalled one of Kirk’s own remarks in a stirring homily. When asked, “Why does God allow suffering or evil?” Kirk had once responded: “Wrong question. The right question is: What did God do about it? The answer: the Cross.”
This new commission continues a longstanding relationship between Ave Maria University and Schmalz. Nearly two decades ago, Monaghan commissioned Schmalz to create two iconic works for the University and parish: a statue of the Annunciation at the Rosary Wall, and the monumental crucifix in the Ave Maria parish church — the largest corpus ever commissioned.
Ave Maria University is also exploring the possibility of placing the Jesus and Charlie Kirk sculpture facing Schmalz’s “Life Monument,” a reflection of Kirk’s passionate witness to the dignity of human life.
Timothy Schmalz’s website has an image of the sculpture and this note from the artist:
The days after the murder of Charlie Kirk, Pope Leo was quoted saying he was praying for him and his family. The day after this tragedy I started this sculpture of Charlie. This is, in a sense, my visual prayer. It is now finished and ready to be cast in bronze. The first cast of the sculpture will be installed on the campus of Ave Maria University, Florida.
