The mosaics on the doors of the facade of the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary, at the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes in southwestern France, are being covered in an undated photograph provided by the sanctuary. The doors showcase the artwork of Father Marko Rupnik, a priest and former Jesuit, who is currently under investigation after accusations of spiritual, psychological and sexual abuse by multiple adult women. Bishop Jean-Marc Micas of Lourdes and Tarbes said March 31, 2025, that the sanctuary will cover the mosaics on the door of the facade of the basilica, citing a need for a symbolic step to help those unable to cross its threshold. (OSV News photo\/courtesy Lourdes Sanctuary)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nSince then, the Slovenian priest is accused of abusing more than two dozen women over several decades. He has denied wrongdoing and is currently facing a canonical trial.<\/p>\n
In his interview with La D\u00e9p\u00eache, Bishop Micas said that his role was to ensure that the basilica at Lourdes \u201cwelcomes everyone,\u201d especially victims of sexual abuse.<\/p>\n
\u201cSince the revelation of the serious allegations against Father Marko Rupnik, it has become difficult, if not impossible, for these victims to come,\u201d he explained. \u201cThe distressed and wounded who need consolation and reparation must hold first place in Lourdes. This is the distinct grace of this sanctuary: nothing must prevent them from responding to Our Lady\u2019s message inviting them to make a pilgrimage here.\u201d<\/p>\n
In 2023, Bishop Micas established a commission on Father Rupnik\u2019s artwork, comprising a prosecutor, a lawyer, experts in sacred art, and victims.<\/p>\n
The mosaics were commissioned in 2008 to mark the 150th anniversary of Mary\u2019s apparitions to St. Bernadette Soubirous.<\/p>\n
Bishop Micas said that regardless of the outcome of Father Rupnik\u2019s canonical trial, the mosaics will be covered indefinitely.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe mosaics will remain covered after the Holy Father\u2019s pilgrimage, following which a new review will be launched. The current commission will be expanded \u2014 notably bringing together artists and theologians \u2014 to reflect on the future of the basilica\u2019s facade,\u201d he told La D\u00e9p\u00eache.<\/p>\n
Speaking with OSV News July 24, Bishop Micas said he was motivated to cover the mosaics after several meetings with victims of sexual abuse, including victims allegedly abused by the Slovenian priest.<\/p>\n
The victims \u201ctold me their story with Marko Rupnik \u2026 how he abused them,\u201d he said, noting that they described the abuse taking place in \u201cthe process of the making of the mosaics, on the places where they were creating the mosaics.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThis gave me a new look on our mosaics in Lourdes,\u201d Bishop Micas told OSV News.<\/p>\n
The two meetings were \u201cthe foundation for my conscience about my responsibility in Lourdes considering these mosaics,\u201d and the positive reaction the decision received \u201cshowed me we were right to do what we did at that time. And we have to continue.\u201d<\/p>\n
When asked by OSV News if the mosaics would remain covered if Father Rupnik is found not guilty in his canonical trial, Bishop Micas said that such a verdict was \u201cnot that easy \u2014 a judgment of guilt or innocence.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cInnocence would be to say that all the people who said what they said were liars,\u201d the bishop said. \u201cAnd I don\u2019t think they were liars.<\/p>\n
Junno Arocho Esteves is an international correspondent for OSV News. Follow him on X @jae_journalist.<\/p>\n
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