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Angels Unawares

Angels Unawares

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ANGELS UNAWARES: CROSS AMERICAN TOUR

This powerful sculpture was on display in front of The Basilica of Saint Mary in August 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. 
 
 

 

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. 

 


Resources to Take Action

Share Your Story

Partnering Organizations

National Tour

Understanding Migration

Green Card Voices Exhibit 

Video Presentations

 

 

 

 
 
 

Upcoming Events

Revolution of Love and Tenderness
Feb 6
2023
Small Faith Community: The Hildegard of Bingen Pilgrimage Book
Monday
at
9:00 AM
The Hildegard of Bingen Pilgrimage Book Mondays, 9:00-10:00am (starting January 9)ZoomThe Hildegard of Bingen Pilgrimage Book invites pilgrims from all over the world to...
Revolution of Love and Tenderness
Feb 13
2023
Small Faith Community: The Hildegard of Bingen Pilgrimage Book
Monday
at
9:00 AM
The Hildegard of Bingen Pilgrimage Book Mondays, 9:00-10:00am (starting January 9)ZoomThe Hildegard of Bingen Pilgrimage Book invites pilgrims from all over the world to...
Revolution of Love and Tenderness
Feb 20
2023
Small Faith Community: The Hildegard of Bingen Pilgrimage Book
Monday
at
9:00 AM
The Hildegard of Bingen Pilgrimage Book Mondays, 9:00-10:00am (starting January 9)ZoomThe Hildegard of Bingen Pilgrimage Book invites pilgrims from all over the world to...
Homeless Jesus Winter web banner
Feb 26
2023
Catholic Social Teaching: Unlocking our Best Kept Secret
Sunday
at
10:45 AM
All parishioners are welcome to join together for a wonderful series on Catholic Social Teaching during this season of Lent. Fr. Daniel Griffith, our Pastor and several other excellent local speakers...
Revolution of Love and Tenderness
Feb 27
2023
Small Faith Community: The Hildegard of Bingen Pilgrimage Book
Monday
at
9:00 AM
The Hildegard of Bingen Pilgrimage Book Mondays, 9:00-10:00am (starting January 9)ZoomThe Hildegard of Bingen Pilgrimage Book invites pilgrims from all over the world to...
Feb 28
2023
Lenten Small Faith Sharing Group
Tuesday
at
6:30 PM to 7:30 PM
All members of the parish are invited to consider signing up for our Lenten small faith sharing group on Tuesday nights this Lent. We are using the book Habits of Freedom by Fr. Chris...
Homeless Jesus Winter web banner
Mar 5
2023
Catholic Social Teaching: Unlocking our Best Kept Secret
Sunday
at
10:45 AM
All parishioners are welcome to join together for a wonderful series on Catholic Social Teaching during this season of Lent. Fr. Daniel Griffith, our Pastor and several other excellent local speakers...
Revolution of Love and Tenderness
Mar 6
2023
Small Faith Community: The Hildegard of Bingen Pilgrimage Book
Monday
at
9:00 AM
The Hildegard of Bingen Pilgrimage Book Mondays, 9:00-10:00am (starting January 9)ZoomThe Hildegard of Bingen Pilgrimage Book invites pilgrims from all over the world to...
Mar 7
2023
Lenten Small Faith Sharing Group
Tuesday
at
6:30 PM to 7:30 PM
All members of the parish are invited to consider signing up for our Lenten small faith sharing group on Tuesday nights this Lent. We are using the book Habits of Freedom by Fr. Chris...
Homeless Jesus Winter web banner
Mar 12
2023
Catholic Social Teaching: Unlocking our Best Kept Secret
Sunday
at
10:45 AM
All parishioners are welcome to join together for a wonderful series on Catholic Social Teaching during this season of Lent. Fr. Daniel Griffith, our Pastor and several other excellent local speakers...