This is the newest sculpture of the Canadian artist Timothy Schmalz. It is an angel which pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago will find as they pass through the Galician town of Melide, just 34 miles from Santiago de Compostela.
Named, 'Be welcoming', it was inspired by a verse from the Letter to the Hebrews that says: "Do not forget to practice hospitality, for by it, some have entertained angels without knowing it."
The bronze image, just over 4 feet tall, was inaugurated by the Bishop of Lugo, Spain, Alfonso Carrasco. During the ceremony, he pointed out the great wealth that pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago bring.
But this is not the first sculpture that the Canadian artist has made. Anyone who visits St. Peter's Square will see one of his works of art dedicated to migrants.
Another of Schmalz's works is 'Refuge', which depicts a homeless person. Pope Francis blessed the statue after one of his General Audiences in November 2022.
Schmalz is also known for 'The Monument to Life', located in the church of San Marcello in Corso. The artist says it is the only representation of the child Jesus in the form of a fetus in the world.
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