The Bishop of Lourdes has decided to cover mosaics by Fr Marko Rupnik at the entrance of the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary, a move aimed at making the French basilica more welcoming for all, particularly victims of abuse. Source: OSV News.
Bishop Jean-Marc Micas of Tarbes and Lourdes explained his decision in an interview released by the sanctuary yesterday.
“I felt, along with my colleagues, that a new symbolic step had to be taken to facilitate entry into the basilica for all those who are currently unable to cross the threshold. As a result, all the doors to the Basilica of (Our Lady of) the Rosary have been modified,” Bishop Micas said.
Whether or not the rest of the mosaics on the facade of the basilica will be covered has not been announced. The sanctuary posted a photograph of staff covering the doors March 31 on their X account.
“Holy doors have been opened in Rome in the four major basilicas” during the Jubilee Year, and the bishop had issued a decree declaring that the Lourdes shrine is one of two places in the diocese (along with Tarbes cathedral) “to live the Jubilee Year and receive a plenary indulgence.”
“Passing through the entrance gates of the basilica had to be as symbolic as the moment,” he explained.
Bishop Micas also noted that March 28, the fourth Friday of Lent “was for the whole Church of France the Memorial Day of Prayer for victims of sexual abuse committed in the Church.”
“The two side doors were covered this Monday [yesterday], and the two large central doors will be covered in a few days’ time, before the start of the pilgrimage season to Lourdes,” the bishop said.
Sr Samuelle, an alleged victim of Fr Rupnik, said: “I am happy with these clear, constructive words, and leading to a concrete act. Not just words, but a clear and explained act.”
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Lourdes bishop covering Fr Rupnik’s mosaics on sanctuary’s basilica doors (By Federica Tourn, OSV News)
