Gift of “Angels Unawares” Sculpture Inspired By Fr. Curran’s Leadership

Near the pedestrian entryway to campus outside Arrupe Hall stands a new piece of campus art that serves as both a tribute and a reminder.

“Angels Unawares,” located on the south side of Arrupe Hall, is a replica of a bronze statue by Canadian artist Timothy Schmalz, mirrors the original in more than just appearance. Installed in 2019 in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, “Angels Unawares” was unveiled in recognition of World Migrant and Refugee Day. Depicting 150 different people, spanning different eras and parts of the globe, the statue references a verse from Hebrews: “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares,” a reminder to show compassion and empathy for all fellow companions.

Rockhurst’s smaller version of the statue comes courtesy a gift from Tom Hastings, M.D., ’81, chairman of the board of trustees, and his wife, Mary Hastings, M.D. The University will host a dedication for the statue at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, March 4, following the board of trustees meeting. Hastings said he learned about the statue as he and his wife were working their way through the Ignatian Spiritual Exercises mid-quarantine. He was struck not only by the beauty of the piece itself, but by the many layers of meaning contained in it.

“For me, it was about something more than migrants — it’s about the struggle of humanity,” Hastings said. “We all have the opportunity to be angels to each other.”

It all reminded him outgoing University President the Rev. Thomas B. Curran, S.J. Hastings’ experience as part of the board of trustees has given him an opportunity to observe the many ways Fr. Curran has influenced the University landscape, from both a physical and spiritual perspective. From new buildings to new initiatives focused on justice to the way he shows care and compassion for all he encounters, Hastings said the statue was meant as a tribute to that leadership.

“Fr. Curran has taken us on a 15-year journey,” he said. “He’s been an angel to Rockhurst.”

But Hastings said he also hopes “Angels Unawares” serves as a reminder to the campus of our shared humanity and an allegory for the spiritual journeys we find ourselves on.

“As we travel throughout our spiritual life, it’s about the kind word, the random act of kindness, the strangers we meet along the way,” Hastings said. “We’re all companions on a journey and we’re all pilgrims on the journey.”