On Wednesday morning, March 25, the "Be Welcoming" sculpture outside St. Augustine Church in Tremont received a blessing from the Most Reverend Edward C. Malesic, Bishop of Cleveland.
According to News 5 Cleveland, the statue offers two distinct views. From one angle, it appears as a disheveled figure carrying a large bag. From another, it resembles an angel with wings. This contrast challenges viewers to reconsider first impressions.
Be Welcoming statue at St Augustine Church in Cleveland
An anonymous donor gifted the sculpture to the Community West Foundation. The installation took place outside St. Augustine Church in late 2025.Renowned sculptor Timothy Schmalz created the artwork. In his biography, he explains that he strives to produce meaningful pieces that connect with viewers through thoughtful design and detail. His goal is to engage people emotionally and help them feel part of the work. Schmalz has also expressed his appreciation for placing sculptures outdoors. He believes bronze artwork can serve as a visible and meaningful expression of faith for Christian communities.
Schmalz has explored themes of migration in other works as well. One of his sculptures in St. Peter's Square depicts the struggles of migrants from around the world. The Vatican unveiled this piece during the 105th World Day of Migrants and Refugees in 2019.
The parish invitation highlighted the deeper meaning of the sculpture. It described St. Augustine as a place where the poor are honored, people with disabilities are embraced, and those on the margins receive dignity and love. The sculpture serves as a visible reminder of this mission. During the blessing, Bishop Malesic emphasized the sculpture's message. He noted that its design reminds us that when we welcome those in need, we may be "entertaining angels."
Text and Photos by Michael Patterson
Bishop Malesic blesses the statue
***
Want to learn about Catholic and ethnic events in Cleveland such as this? Sign up for the free eNews and every Tuesday evening you will receive a free e-mail listing the next week's events. It's easy and free.
Fill out the form for the free weekly eNews.
***
Top of Page
Back to Cleveland Catholics
We Pray the Rosary - Living Rosary DVD
Hail Mary, Full of Grace…
This DVD is a Living Rosary in the sense that over 200 people participated in saying a prayer. 3 bishops, numerous priests and sisters and a variety of lay people all said a prayer (Creed, Our Father, Hail Mary or Glory Be) that when put together combine to form the complete Rosary. All 4 Mysteries (Joyful, Sorrowful, Glorious and Luminous) are included and there is an extra Decade for your special intentions. It could be free for Churches and Groups! Ask us.
We hope that this DVD inspires you to pray the Rosary more frequently. You can choose to view/pray a single Decade, a complete Mystery or all 4 Mysteries. The DVD includes a listing of all the Mysteries. The Rosary is a great gift given to us by Our Blessed Mother.
Learn more about the Living Rosary and how you can order this DVD
| 
