The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes in France announced Monday that entries to the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary, which has works of art of the priest and artist Marko Rupnik, will be covered.
Mons. Jean-Marc Mica, Bishop of Tarbes and Lourdes, described the decision as a “second step” after its initial decision in July 2024 of not illuminate the mosaics at night and during the processions.
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“They already know my opinion about the presence of these mosaics at the doors of the Basilica. I thought, together with my collaborators, that it was necessary On a website publication of the Marian sanctuary.
In 2008, to the neo -Gothic facade of the lower Basilica of Lourdes were added RUPNIK mosaics, alleged sexual abuser that is under investigation and waiting for judgment by the Dicasteria for the doctrine of the Vatican’s faith.
The side doors of the Basilica were covered on the morning of March 31, and the two central doors will be covered in a few days, according to the sanctuary. The covers are yellow with small crosses and the inscription “with Maria, pilgrims of hope 2025”.
For the Jubileo de la Esperanza of 2025, Mons. Micas decreed that the sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes was one of the two places of the diocese where pilgrims could receive the Plenary Pubilation indulgence. He said that “crossing the doors of the basilica should be a symbol of the moment” and pointed out that on the third Friday of Lent, on March 28, it was also the day of prayer in memory of the victims of sexual abuse committed in the church of France.
After forming a special commission in May 2023, Mons. Micas announced in July 2024 that, as “first step”, he had decided that the mosaics would no longer light at night during the night processions of the Rosary in the light of the candles in the sanctuary. He commented that, in his personal opinion, the artistic facilities had to retire completely, but that it was too early to make a definitive decision.
The next steps of the sanctuary with respect to Rupnik’s work, said Mons. Micas on March 31, are to continue with the commission “to move calmly instead of under the pressure of several sources.”
“We work in the long term, for the victims, for the Church, for Lourdes and their message for all,” he added.
Marlene Watkins, leader of Lourdes Volunteers in North America, published Monday on the Facebook page “Our Lady of Lourdes Hospitality North American Volunteers“(North America volunteers for the hospitality of Our Lady of Lourdes), welcoming with satisfaction the” reflective, pious and brave discernment of the French bishop to address this art in the sanctuary. “
“This step in his wise plan facilitates that some victims and their loved ones enter through the holy doors for this jubilee. His rhythm seems slow for those who do not know the legality of French art, but his plan is prudent and methodical by taking measures to enable the withdrawal. He asked us for prayers for this from the moment he announced his decision. Please, let’s continue praying,” Watkins wrote.
The mosaics of Rupnik and his School of Art and Theology, the Aletti Center of Rome, represent the luminous mysteries of the Rosary with the weddings of Cana in the center. The red point, characteristic of RUPNIK, decorates one of the arched panels about the entrance.
Rupnik, a priest and artist, has been accused of spiritual, psychological and sexual abuse against religious. He was expelled from the company of Jesus in June 2023. He currently faces a canonical trial for accusations of having abused dozens of religious, including some in the context of the creation of his art.
The prolific artistic career of the priest has generated problems in numerous sanctuaries and Catholic churches in Europe and North America. The Rupnik workshop participated in projects for more than 200 liturgical spaces worldwide, including Fatima, the Vatican, the sanctuary of John Paul II in Washington DC (United States), and the tomb of Father Pío.
Last year, the Knights of Columbus covered RUPNIK mosaics in the two chapels of the National Sanctuary of San Juan Pablo II in Washington and in the chapel of the headquarters of the Knights in New Haven, Connecticut, a drastic decision that represented at that time the strongest public position of an important Catholic organization with respect to the art of the former Jesuit.
Translated and adapted by the ACI Press team. Originally published in CNA.
Hannah Brockhaus
Hannah Brockhaus is correspondent in Rome by Catholic News Agency. He grew up in Omaha, Nebraska, and has a degree in English from the State University Truman in Missouri.