USD Dedicates Angels Unawares Sculpture with Mass and Blessing

The University of San Diego dedicated Angels Unawares, a bronze sculpture by Canadian artist Timothy Schmalz, during a campus ceremony on Dec. 18 — International Migrants Day — marking the installation of a permanent work of sacred art that reflects the university’s Catholic mission and commitment to human dignity.

The dedication followed a Mass presided over by the Most Rev. Michael M. Pham, bishop of the Catholic Diocese of San Diego. Faculty, staff, students, alumni and community members then gathered for the ceremony, which centered on reflection around the sculpture’s themes of hope and compassion.

USD President James T. Harris III, DEd, noted that the dedication reflects the university’s enduring commitment to the dignity of all humanity: “Each of us stand on the shoulders of those who came before us. Today, on International Migrants Day, we are proud to dedicate this extraordinary sculpture — a reminder that we must remain committed to our efforts to foster peace, to work for justice and to lead with love.”

Canadian artist Timothy Schmalz and USD President James T. Harris III have a conversation while walking around the new sculpture on Thurs., Dec. 18, 2025. Photo by Lauren Radack. 

Angels Unawares was first inaugurated by Pope Francis in September 2019 in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican during the World Day of Migrants and Refugees. USD’s replica sculpture was created by Schmalz, the same artist commissioned by Pope Francis for the Vatican installation, and was generously donated to the university by anonymous donors.

Inspired by Hebrews 13:2 — “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares” — the sculpture depicts migrants and refugees from different cultures, ethnicities and historical periods standing shoulder to shoulder on a raft. Angel wings emerge from within the crowd, suggesting the presence of the sacred among them.

Installed in the Garden of the Sky near the entrance to USD’s Joan B. Kroc School of Peace Studies, the sculpture is intended to be encountered as part of daily campus life, serving as an ongoing invitation to reflect, discuss and learn. Similar installations can be found at Boston College, The Catholic University of America and within the Archdiocese of Miami.

The idea to bring Angels Unawares to USD emerged after Harris encountered the sculpture at the Vatican and sought to share its powerful message with the campus community — particularly given the university’s location in a bi-national border region.

Most Rev. Michael M. Pham, bishop of the Catholic Diocese of San Diego, presides over Mass in The Immaculata. Photo by Lauren Radack. 

As a contemporary Catholic university, USD emphasizes the dignity of every person and strives to create a culture of inclusive excellence.The sculpture embodies these values and reflects a commitment to diversity of people, ideas and beliefs — cornerstones of a well‑rounded education and a thriving campus community.

Harris noted that the dedication honors the legacy of Pope Francis, who died in 2025 and consistently called on the Church to accompany migrants and uplift the most vulnerable. During his remarks, Harris reflected on the vital role migrants have played throughout U.S. history, and provided a poignant perspective on his grandparents’ experiences as immigrants, and the lessons learned from their struggles, and triumphs.

“Today, we honor migrants across this nation,” Harris said. “We honor their hard work, their integrity and the faith they brought with them — and we are reminded of the sacred presence that can be found among us, sometimes least expected, as angels unawares.”

As the ceremony concluded after a prayer and blessing from Bishop Pham, attendees gathered around the sculpture and were invited to plant small butterfly replicas in the surrounding ground. The butterfly — a powerful symbol of migration — represents transformation, resilience and the fundamental human right to move in search of safety and opportunity. 

The gesture marked the beginning of Angels Unawares as both a work of art and a lasting call to welcome, reflection and action at USD.

— USD News Center