Bishop Edward Malesic joined St. Augustine Church staff, members of the Community West Foundation, and invited guests, to bless the newest sculpture from renowned artist Timothy Schmalz on March 25. The “Be Welcoming” sculpture serves as a reminder of Jesus’ call that we welcome the stranger and depicts a weary traveler that transforms into an angel from one side view to the other. The Community West Foundation sponsored the installation, as it has for the many Matthew 25 Schmalz sculptures found throughout Greater Cleveland. The sculpture itself was purchased by an anonymous donor.
The series of Schmalz sculptures represent the "Corporal Works of Mercy" from Matthew 25:31-46. Additional sculptures include Homeless Jesus (outside St. Malachi Oratory), which also was blessed by Bishop Malesic after its installation; When I was Sick (Lutheran Hospital); When I was a Stranger (ReSource Cleveland); When I was Naked (Malachi House); When I was Hungry and Thirsty (Old Stone Church); and When I Was in Prison (The Wholeness Project).
Bishop Malesic addressed the crowd, saying, “Unique to the early church was that they took care of the poor in a society that rejected the poor and did not take care of outcasts. Our early church made sure everyone was taken care of, intimately tying the worship of God together with the care of the poor.”
Before blessing the statue the bishop prayed, “Pour out your compassion on the homeless, your protection upon the vulnerable, and your hope upon all who feel unsafe. May this statue stand as a silent sentinel of your radical love reminding us that every person is a bearer of your divine image. And gazing upon it, grant that we may respond in compassion, imitating your love, welcoming the stranger, and sharing our gifts with those in need.”
In addition to Bishop Malesic, speakers at the installation included Parish Life Coordinator Bob Duda and Deacon Chris DePenti from St. Augustine, Marty Uhle, President and CEO of Community West Foundation, and Scott Rosenstein from Tremont West Development Corporation.
The “Be Welcoming” sculpture was created in 2019, and is inspired by the same scripture text that is at the center of the “Angels Unawares” monument in St. Peter’s Square. The sculpture has also been installed in spiritual places associated with Christian pilgrimages, El Camino de Santiago in Spain and the St. Padre Pio Shrine in Southern Italy.