Sculpture of migrants in flight haunts the soul

Just after Easter this year, a sculpture that particularly struck a chord with Pope Francis when he blessed it at the Vatican in 2019 will be coming to the front lawn of Notre Dame Seminary. Can you fill us in on the details?

Yes, on the occasion of the 105th World Day of Migrants and Refugees in 2019, Pope Francis blessed a bronze sculpture entitled “Angels Unawares,” which depicts 140 migrants and refugees from various lands and all eras of history lined up, standing shoulder-to-shoulder, on a 20-foot-long, 12-foot-high raft, with angel’s wings in the center. The statue is the work of Canadian artist Timothy Schmalz, who drew his inspiration from one of the cornerstones of the Holy Father’s papacy – the care and welcoming of migrants and refugees. In fact, the Holy Father’s first trip as pope, four months after his election in 2013, was to the small Italian island of Lampedusa, just 70 miles from Tunisia. He made the visit as a remembrance of tens of thousands of African immigrants who died trying to reach a new life in Europe near the island’s shores. Pope Francis has been consistent in urging Christians to welcome with open arms those who are fleeing their country because of war, poverty or persecution.

What strikes you about the sculpture?

I first saw it when I was in Rome for our ad limina visit in 2019. It was a source of prayer for me. I could not leave it for quite a while. Each person has a name and a story. The statue was situated in St. Peter’s Square, where thousands of visitors could view it every day. I was struck by the symbolism. The square itself was designed in the 17th century as a grand colonnade by Bernini. The “arms” of Bernini’s colonnade symbolically welcome people on their journey to God. What a wonderful image it is to have these refugees depicted in the new sculpture being wrapped in the arms of the universal church. The original version of “Angels Unawares” is on permanent display at St. Peter’s Square, and a replica of the original is now on pilgrimage throughout North America before returning to its ultimate home at The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. The statue most recently has been displayed in Miami, and it will be in New Orleans for six weeks beginning April 10. Timothy Schmalz was the one who specifically inquired about displaying the statue in New Orleans because he wanted to feature the sculpture in “stunning Catholic cities.” In addition to Washington, D.C., the statue has also made stops in Brooklyn, San Antonio, the University of Notre Dame and Boston College. During its six weeks in New Orleans, we certainly encourage visitors to visit the statue as a way of sharing in art and the church’s teaching on immigration.

What are some of the faces on the statue that most stand out to you?

The artist depicted 140 faces. His purpose was to reach across the millennia and tell many different stories of migration. There is a Jewish man holding two suitcases escaping Nazi Germany; Italians and Germans seeking a better life in a new country; Africans forced to leave their country on slave ships; an Irish boy escaping the 19th century potato famine; a weeping Cherokee who endured forced migration walking the “Trail of Tears”; Vietnamese boat people fleeing a Marxist regime; Syrians seeking a peaceful land; St. Frances Xavier Cabrini, who is known as the patron saint of immigrants; and many others. Also, if you look carefully, you can spot three other prominent refugees: St. Joseph with his carpenter’s tools walks ahead of Mary, who is carrying the baby Jesus. Schmalz said he included the Holy Family because he was inspired by a Christmas homily Pope Francis gave in which he said that “Joseph and Mary were refugees once, too.” The angel wings at the center of the statue are a symbol of the sacredness of the migrant and refugee. The statue takes its title from Hebrews 13:2: “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.”

The Statue of Liberty depicts America as a country that welcomes immigrants. Does this statue remind you of that?

Yes. This is a wonderful opportunity for us to see that one of the central tenets of our faith is love for one another. The bishops of the U.S. have never advocated for an open-border policy where there are no rules for who can or cannot come into our country. We have always advocated for a comprehensive immigration policy, in which people’s God-given dignity and their right to flee war, violence or persecution are respected. We are called to love our neighbor and welcome the stranger.

Questions for Archbishop Aymond may be sent to [email protected].