Beginning on January 7th, 2021, the Patrons of the Arts Georgia Chapter, along with Holy Spirit Preparatory School and Holy Spirit Catholic Church, will be sponsoring Timothy Schmalz’s Angels Unawares sculpture exhibition in Atlanta. The sculpture will be on display at Holy Spirit Preparatory School from January 7th through February 3rd and will be open to the public daily.

The 4-ton, 20-foot-long sculpture, a gift to Catholic University, is the 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 September 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, and the statue’s return to campus following a nation-wide tour and permanent installation will be part of the 2021 World Day of Migrants and Refugees.

This sculpture embodies the Church’s teachings on immigration, particularly the importance of welcoming the stranger and celebrating the many contributions of migrants and refugees to our society. Angels Unawares depict more than 140 immigrants from across history densely packed onto a boat with the Holy Family. It is based on Hebrews 13:2: “Be welcoming to strangers, many have entertained angels unawares.” Through this national tour, people across the country will have the opportunity to share in its message of welcome and hope.

The migrants depicted in the sculpture reflect the number of saint statues on the colonnade in St. Peter’s Square and represent all historical time periods of time. A wide range of migrants are featured alongside the Holy Family, include a Jew escaping Nazi Germany, an Irish boy escaping the potato famine, a Cuban leaving for America, a Syrian departing that country’s civil war, a Pole escaping the communist regime, a Cherokee on the Trail of Tears, a Protestant escaping the Reformation, and an Italian immigrant coming to North America, among others. All figures/faces are from photos of real people. Many photos are from the Ellis Island archives. Additionally, modern African refugees were modeled live in the artist’s studio. Also represented in the sculpture are the parents of Cardinal Czerny, Pope Francis’ undersecretary. All faiths are represented, including Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist, and Eastern Orthodox Christians. At the sculpture’s center, angel wings are visible, alluding to the sacredness of the migrant and refugee – all human life.

While in Atlanta, the sculpture will be open to the public daily from January 7 through February 3, 2020.

Pandemic protocols will need to be followed carefully during visits.

When To Visit
The sculpture is available for viewing from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Due to parking limitations, visits during the parish’s Sunday morning Masses (between 7:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.) are strongly discouraged

Where to Park
...Information coming soon.

Learn more about Angels Unawares

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