A striking 100-foot statue dedicated to Jude the Apostle has recently been unveiled in Mexico, yet it has quickly become the subject of widespread mockery. Located on the Hill of the Three Crosses in Esperanza, Puebla State, this ambitious religious monument was intended to enhance religious tourism in the area. However, its design has drawn comparisons to the blocky aesthetics of the popular video game Minecraft, with some locals humorously suggesting that it resembles a character from Clash of Clans.
The creators of the statue have incorporated the saint’s traditional green and white attire, with plans to add his iconic wooden staff in the near future. Despite the well-meaning intentions behind the statue, the public’s reaction has been overwhelmingly critical, particularly regarding the shape of the saint’s face. Social media users have not held back, likening the figure to the likenesses of famous Mexican singer Luis Antonio López and footballer Francisco Fonseca.
Challenges in Creation
Construction of the statue began in 2024, but the project faced numerous delays due to adverse weather conditions and concerns about its ecological impact. The statue was finally inaugurated last week during a ceremony that aimed to position it as a new symbol for the town. Local authorities are optimistic that the statue will attract pilgrims, particularly during the late October celebrations of Saint Jude Thaddeus’s feast day.
This incident is not isolated; it echoes a previous controversy involving the restoration of a 17th-century statue of the Virgin Mary in Seville. Last summer, the makeover of the Virgin of La Macarena sparked protests among worshippers who felt the changes made her appear as though she had undergone plastic surgery. Critics argued that the restoration altered her facial expression and overall appearance, leading to calls for accountability from the Brotherhood of the Macarena.
In response to the backlash, the brotherhood issued an apology and temporarily closed the basilica, ultimately making adjustments to the statue to address concerns over its new look. Such instances highlight the delicate balance between artistic interpretation and community sentiment in the realm of religious iconography.
