The bond that unites humanity is our fragility and weakness, Cardinal Cupich said in his homily at a Sept. 11 Mass on Loyola University Chicago’s Lakeshore Campus. It was Jesus’ embrace of that human vulnerability that allowed him to be broken and die on the cross, creating the possibility of the resurrection and salvation. “It validates and dignifies our humanity,” Cardinal Cupich said. “That aspect of our humanity that is common among all of us is our vulnerability and our weakness. We are all fragile. … It is precisely that that God uses to bring about salvation.” The cardinal celebrated the Mass at Madonna della Strada Chapel to celebrate the arrival of Angels Unawares, a bronze sculpture by Canadian artist Timothy Schmalz that depicts angel’s wings emerging from a crowd of 140 immigrants and refugees of various cultures standing on a boat, hoping for a better life. The migrants and refugees in the boat, Cardinal Cupich said, are making immense sacrifices in hopes of providing a better life for their families, and everyone has the opportunity to reach out to migrants and immigrants to help them, pouring ourselves out as well. The 20-foot, 3.5-ton sculpture that is visiting Loyola is the second casting of the work. Pope Francis commissioned the work and the original casting stands in St. Peter’s Square in the Vatican, where it was installed in time for the 105th annual World Day of Migrants and Refugees, Sept. 19, 2019. The traveling sculpture belongs to Catholic University of America and will return there in October after visiting 10 U.S. cities since last fall. “I think it’s safe to say Angels Unwares has traveled more than most of us in the past year,” said CUA President John Garvey, who attended the Mass. The statue has traveled more than 10,000 miles on a tour that included stops in Miami, San Antonio and Minneapolis. “Your campus has welcomed Angels Unawares as Chicago has welcomed people from all over the globe.” The title comes from Hebrews 13:2: “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares” The statue will remain on Loyola’s campus until Oct. 4. Upon its return to Washington, D.C., the sculpture will be installed permanently on a plaza that is being prepared for it. The faithful, Cardinal Cupich said, must remember that Jesus came in the form of the suffering servant, not as the earthly power that some — even Peter — expected, and the faithful must follow the example of Jesus in taking the risk of loving other people. “Our children need to be taught that we should not be afraid to take a risk, to love, because salvation happens there,” he said. “The Lord calls on us to educate them according to that Gospel.” Garvey and Cardinal Cupich also recalled the sacrifice of first responders who died on 9/11, 20 years before the Mass, and prayed for students at CUA, Loyola and other Catholic universities who are just starting their academic years. Janet Sisler, Loyola’s vice president for mission integration, introduced the Mass by saying that welcoming a statue of refugees and migrants and remembering 9/11 might seem like an “odd combination,” but they both fit with the university’s emphasis on the spirit of reconciliation and justice.” The Mass concluded with a blessing of CUA alumni from the cardinal, who earned both a licentiate and a doctorate in sacred theology at the school.
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