Unpacking Italy & Sicily - Part Twelve
Angels in the Square
Buongiorno,
A visit to Rome wouldn’t be complete without a stop at St. Peter’s Square—the grand plaza that opens before St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City. Our guided tour was limited to the Square itself, which was just fine with me. While some of our tour companions had arranged their own visits inside the Basilica, we opted instead to simply take in the energy of the space and the significance that radiates from its history.
One of the highlights for me was seeing a sculpture I’d first heard about during television coverage of Pope Francis’s funeral. CBC had interviewed Timothy Paul Schmalz, a Canadian sculptor from St. Jacobs, Ontario, whose life-sized bronze works appear in front of significant Christian sites around the world—including Capernaum, the Vatican, and Fatima.
As we walked through the Square, it was impossible to miss Angels Unawares, the first sculpture to be installed in St. Peter’s Square in centuries. This 20-foot bronze work, inspired by the Bible verse Hebrews 13:2—"Be welcoming to strangers, for many have entertained angels unawares"—depicts a crowded boat of migrants from different time periods and regions. At its center, rising subtly above the figures, are angel wings—reminding us of the sacredness of every soul in search of safety and belonging. It was both beautiful and deeply moving.
The second moment that stood out for me was far more personal. I came across a small snow globe featuring a seated angel holding a heart, and I immediately thought of my mom, who passed away in November, 2024. To my surprise, I learned that souvenirs purchased in Vatican shops can be blessed by a priest and delivered to your hotel the same evening. I had the angel blessed. It felt like a quiet tribute to my mom and her faith—a simple, meaningful moment of connection in a place where the sacred feels so near.
Unexpected moments…
What small or unexpected moment during your travels has stayed with you long after the journey ended?
Hope you'll join us at The Kitchen Table on Friday, June 27th. This month at the Kitchen Table, we gather with suitcases full of stories, hearts cracked open by beauty, and maybe even a little sand still in our shoes.
Inspired by the theme “The Art of Returning,” we’ll explore what it means to come home—not just physically, but emotionally and soulfully—after stepping away from our everyday lives. Whether you’ve recently travelled far or simply taken a pause from routine, time away has a way of shifting something inside us. We’ll reflect on how holidays—of any kind—leave us changed, awakened, softened, and somehow a little more ourselves again.
As always, we’ll share gentle conversation, meaningful reflection, and a creative project to anchor our experience.
Arrivederci!
