Darien is a small city along Highway 17 off the coast of Georgia in McIntosh County. Darien was well known in the past as the exit point for lumber from central Georgia. Logs were transported by river to the city from which they were hauled off in ships to London and other major cities of the world. Today, it is mostly known for its shrimping industry and stunning views of nature.
What can the quaint city of Darien have in common with Vatican City State?
Both have a work of art by the world-renowned Canadian sculptor Timothy Schmaltz on public display.
Some years ago, the Diocese of Savannah contacted Mr. Schmalz to commission a sculpture of the Venerable Pedro de Corpa and Companions, Franciscan friars who founded Catholic missions along the Georgia coast in the 1590s. Just last January, Pope Francis officially recognized that these friars died as martyrs of the faith in September 1597, and we now wait for their Beatification.
When I first spoke with Timothy, he said to me, “Father, I’m working on something that will be displayed on Saint Peter’s Square!” I was well aware of his fame, but I thought he had to be mistaken. New artwork is not just placed at Saint Peter’s Square. In early 2020, Timothy proved me wrong. When I visited Rome in February 2020, there it was, sitting on the square opposite to the Apostolic Palace, a masterful work of art titled “Angels Unawares.” This enormous boat depicts migrants and refugees from different cultures, religious and time periods. Harkening to the hospitality shown by Abraham to the three strangers in the Book of Genesis, this work of art inspires an openness toward those who need a new home.
In October 2021, I attended the dedication of Timothy Schmalz’ sculpture at Nativity of Our Lady Catholic Church right off Highway 17 in Darien. Unfortunately, Schmalz was unable to attend due to Canadian COVID restrictions.
It is significant to have such a highly renowned work of Catholic art in South Georgia, where less than 3% of the population is Catholic. The next time you visit South Georgia, or are traveling along I-95 to or from Florida, make sure you stop in Darien, visit the monument, stop by the Old Fort King George site along the water, and have some delicious fresh-off-the-boat shrimp at any of the local restaurants.
Picture belongs to the Diocese of Savannah, all rights reserved.
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