By Kristina Millare
Rome Newsroom, Jan 26, 2025 / 09:45 am
Art has always been a powerful medium of expression, capable of conveying deep emotions and profound messages without the need for words. Canadians Cardinal Michael Czerny and sculptor Timothy P. Schmalz recently discussed the role of art in evangelization, highlighting the impact of Schmalz’s sculpture, Angels Unawares, in sharing the Catholic faith.
Cardinal Czerny, prefect of the Vatican’s Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, praised Schmalz’s statue, installed in St. Peter’s Square in 2019, for eloquently depicting the experiences of migrants and refugees throughout history. The sculpture, Angels Unawares, speaks volumes without uttering a single word, touching the hearts of those who gaze upon it.
During the discussion, Cardinal Czerny noted how the sculpture resonates with people, as they search for their identity, history, and roots. The silence of Angels Unawares speaks loudly, conveying a message that transcends language and labels, touching on deeply political and emotional aspects of the migrant experience.
Schmalz, the sculptor behind Angels Unawares, shared how Cardinal Czerny’s vision for the sculpture allowed him to capture the diverse range of emotions experienced by migrants and refugees. From joy and happiness to despair and sorrow, the sculpture portrays a mosaic of feelings, connecting viewers to the human aspects of migration.
