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Angels Unawares

Angels Unawares

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ANGELS UNAWARES: CROSS AMERICAN TOUR

This powerful sculpture will be on display in front of The Basilica of Saint Mary August 1-30, 2021. 
 
The work depicts migrants and refugees from all cultural and racial backgrounds and from all historic periods of time together—shoulder to shoulder on a raft or boat. A Protestant man escaping the Counter-Reformation joins a Jewish man fleeing Nazi Germany. An African family forced into slavery joins a displaced Native American. The artist Timothy Schmalz likens the sculpture to an updated version of the Statue of Liberty with figures based on historical events.
 
A mentality of scarcity and scapegoating has been at the heart of fears about “illegal immigration,” which Angels Unawares seeks to overturn. Schmalz wants contemporary viewers to be able to see themselves among the diverse group, and in seeing themselves recognize the role they can play in the artwork’s message, taken from Hebrews 13:2: “Be welcoming to strangers, many have entertained angels unawares.”
Angel wings rise from the center of the vessel, a nod not only to the divine stranger in scripture but also the sacred in each of us – our shared humanity. 
 
 

Key Dates

Angels Unawares Blessing and Unveiling
Sunday, August 1 at 10:30am, following 9:30am Mass

Angels Unawares Opening Celebration
Sunday, August 1 at 3:00pm, Basilica Plaza

Webinar Panel Discussion
Tuesday, August 17, 7:00pm

Angels Unawares Closing Ceremony
Thursday, August 26 at 5:30pm, Basilica Plaza

Sunday Docent Tours 
August 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 following the 9:30 and 11:30am Masses.

All community and partner events - all are welcome.

 

Angels Unawares Pope

 

The Angels Unawares sculpture by Canadian artist Timothy Schmalz depicts more than 140 refugees. The 3.5-ton, 20-foot-long sculpture, is a gift to The Catholic University of America and currently on a national tour. Through this pilgrimage, people across the country have the opportunity to share in its message of welcome and hope.

Angels Unawares is a second casting of a piece commissioned by Pope Francis and created by Canadian artist Timothy Schmalz, who has received broad attention for his Homeless Jesus sculpture. The original casting was installed in St. Peter’s Square and unveiled by Pope Francis on Sept. 29, 2019, the 105th observance of the World Day of Migrants and Refugees. The unveiling and blessing at Catholic University was part of the 2020 observance. 

 

Plan Your Visit

Resources to Take Action

Share Your Story

Partnering Organizations

National Tour

Understanding Migration

Green Card Voices Exhibit 

Video Presentations

 

 

 

 
 
 

Upcoming Events

Green Card Voices Exhibit
Aug 1 to Aug 26
2021
Green Card Voices Exhibit
Sunday
at
(All day)
[asset-4662-411] Green Card Voices Exhibit On Display August 1-26Pope John XXIII Gallery, Lower LevelAugust 1-26Green Card Voices is a Minneapolis based, nonprofit that connects...
Angels Unawares
Aug 1
2021
Angels Unawares Blessing and Unveiling
Sunday
at
10:30 AM
Join us for the Blessing and Unveiling of Angels Unawares Sunday, August 1 at 10:30am, following 9:30am MassThis powerful sculpture will be on display in front of The...
Angels Unawares
Aug 1
2021
Angels Unawares Opening Celebration
Sunday
at
3:00 PM
Angels Unawares Opening CelebrationSunday, August 1 at 3:00pmBasilica Plaza As this powerful art exhibit comes to Minnesota, we recognize the complexity of migration in our country and world...
Angels Unawares
Aug 7
2021
Angels Unawares: Church of the Ascension Hosting
Saturday
at
12:00 PM
Thank you to our sister parish Church of the Ascension for supporting the powerful message the Angels Unawares sculpture brings to our community.  Basilica Plaza12:00-7:00pm with Program of Prayer 5:...
Angels Unawares
Aug 10
2021
Angels Unawares: ICOM Prayer Vigil
Tuesday
at
7:30 AM
Thank you to our partner ICOM Minnesota Interfaith Coalition on Immigration for supporting the powerful message the Angels Unawares sculpture brings to our community. Basilica Plaza7:30am Prayer...
Angels Unawares
Aug 12
2021
Angels Unawares: Maryknoll Missioners Community Hosting
Thursday
at
12:00 PM
Thank you to our partner Maryknoll Missioners Community for supporting the powerful message the Angels Unawares sculpture brings to our community. Basilica Plaza 12:00-7:00pm will be present for...
Angels Unawares
Aug 14
2021
Angels Unawares: Archdiocese Ministerio Latino Hosting
Saturday
at
4:00 PM
Thank you to our partner Archdiocese Ministerio Latino for supporting the powerful message the Angels Unawares sculpture brings to our community. Basilica Plaza4:00-7:00pm Program of PrayerAll are...
Angels Unawares
Aug 17
2021
Angels Unawares: Webinar Panel Discussion
Tuesday
at
7:00 PM
Angels Unawares:  Webinar Panel DiscussionAugust 17 at 7:00-8:00pm, Zoom Join in a zoom webinar featuring three important viewpoints of the Angels Unawares Sculpture. We will hear about the...
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Angels Unawares
Aug 19
2021
Angels Unawares: Lumen Christi Catholic Community & Gloria Dei Lutheran Church Hosting
Thursday
at
12:00 PM
Thank you to our partners Lumen Christi Catholic Community, Gloria Dei Lutheran Church and Casa Guadalupana for supporting the powerful message the Angels Unawares sculpture brings to our community. ...
Angels Unawares
Aug 21
2021
Angels Unawares: Church of the Ascension Hosting
Saturday
at
12:00 PM
Thank you to our sister parish Church of the Ascension for supporting the powerful message the Angels Unawares sculpture brings to our community. Basilica Plaza12:00-7:00pm with Program of Prayer 5:...