LOURDES (FRANCE)
La Croix International [Montrouge Cedex, France]
July 3, 2024
By Héloïse de Neuville
Father Marko Rupnik’s mosaics will not be immediately removed from the facade of the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary in Lourdes (France), but it will eventually be necessary to do it, the Bishop of Lourdes said. Meanwhile, the artwork will no longer be highlighted.
A year and a half ago, Bishop Jean-Marc Micas of Lourdes initiated a reflection group to consider the fate of the mosaics in the Basilica of the Rosary at the heart of the Marian sanctuary.
Should this monumental work by priest-artist Father Marko Rupnik, now accused by several women of multiple sexual abuses, be removed or retained?
In this exclusive interview with La Croix‘s Heloïse de Neuville, Bishop Micas revealed his deep conviction and reflected on the long discernment process that led him to an intermediate solution at this stage.
La Croix: From May to October 2023, as Bishop of Lourdes, you launched a reflection group to help you decide the future of the mosaics in the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary. How did this issue arise?
Bishop Jean-Marc Micas: On February 11, 2023, I was approached by a victim of sexual violence in the church who wanted to meet me. Along with the rector of the sanctuary, we received this person and were both deeply moved by this person’s extremely dignified testimony, which sought absolutely nothing in return. This person shared being affected by the presence of Marko Rupnik’s mosaics on the façade of the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary.Further reading: Rupnik case: Tensions rise at the Vatican over use of artwork by priest accused of sexual abuse
This testimony convinced us that the matter needed to be taken seriously. We established a group composed of people with various opinions and expertise. To be clear, I did not assign the commission the task of deciding the future of the mosaics but rather to help me make an informed choice, which I would then have to assume alone as Bishop of Lourdes.
How did you work with this commission?
The commission included a prosecutor, a lawyer specializing in copyright, persons from the French Bishops’ Conference who specialized in sacred art, victims, and people with different vocations and diverse opinions. The question quickly became binary: should the mosaics be left or destroyed?
However, a new element helped refine the possible response: there is no need to destroy these mosaics to remove them. The mosaics are not glued to the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary. At the time of their installation, the architect of the French historical buildings required that they be removable. Therefore, we can take them down and, if desired, display them elsewhere. Destruction is not the only option.
“The presence of Marko Rupnik’s mosaics on the façade of the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary affected the victim.”
This was an important element in my discernment. Over the months, everyone on the commission was able to express their views not without emotion but with great respect.
What are the opposing arguments in the discussion?
First, all commission members, regardless of their opinions, agreed that Marko Rupnik’s actions were intolerable and that Lourdes must continue to be a place of consolation and healing for victims.
However, interpretations on how to preserve the sanctuary’s mission diverged. Some believed removing the mosaics would not achieve anything, as the trauma of victims could never be healed by destroying everything that reminds them of their assaults.
“Lourdes must continue to be a place of consolation and healing for victims.”
They felt it was better to help people “move forward.” Another argument was that one should separate the man from the artist, not penalize the work because of its creator, and that erasing all productions of artists with flawed lives would succumb to the current trend of “cancel culture.”
And what about those who advocate for removing the mosaics?
On the other side, the point of view was that the church risked prioritizing an object over people once again. Artistic or economic considerations could overshadow the church’s proclaimed care for victims of abuse by clergy. Crucially, for victims, Marko Rupnik’s mosaics are a barrier to coming to Lourdes.
One of the well-identified problems by the commission is the omnipresence of these works: they are unavoidable. One must pass through these mosaics to enter the Basilica, which covers the façade and doors. One must look at them while crossing the esplanade to reach the grotto as they adorn the ramps to the basilica. Victims have described this reality to me as the two arms of an abuser encircling them, rekindling an unbearable trauma.
“For victims, Marko Rupnik’s mosaics are a barrier to coming to Lourdes.”
Lourdes is a place of mercy and reconstruction, where those harmed by life and the church must be given the first place. This is the unique grace of this sanctuary: nothing should prevent them from responding to Our Lady’s message inviting them on a pilgrimage.
What is your decision regarding the future of these mosaics by Marko Rupnik in Lourdes?
My deep, formed, intimate conviction is that they will one day need to be removed: they prevent Lourdes from reaching all the people for whom the sanctuary’s message is intended. But I have decided not to remove them immediately, given the passions and violence the subject incites.Further reading: Sexual Abuse: Vatican official defends keeping Marko Rupnik’s mosaics
I need to continue working with victims to gather broader support. I want to avoid tearing the church further apart. I rely on the successful example of the report commissioned by French bishops on sex abuses against minors: initially, it sparked a lot of anger, but over time, it has led to a genuine conversion of heart and practice among French Catholics.
In the meantime, starting now and concretely, I have decided that these mosaics will no longer be highlighted as they were during the evening Marian procession that gathers pilgrims each night. This is a first step.
What do you say to those on both sides who will be disappointed with this middle-ground solution?
I say that I understand them, and I am aware of it. I know I will face incomprehension from both sides. The time for discernment is over. Now is the time to seek consensus to avoid tearing the church apart. I was somewhat presumptuous or naive to think I could reach the end of this path in a few months, not realizing the violence and passions involved.
I want to conclude by telling victims that their lives and personhood are infinitely more valuable than the most beautiful work of art, and I will continue to work to build consensus around this certainty. Further reading: Should the Rupnik mosaics at Lourdes be taken down?