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TURIN, Italy (OSV News) — For the rector of the world’s second largest church after St. Peter’s Basilica — the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Aparecidain Brazil — May 11 will be a day of celebrating the inauguration of the southern facade’s mosaics, all created by Father Marko Rupnik.
But alleged victims of the disgraced former Jesuit and many faithful are not in celebratory mood. Amid a heated debate on what should be done with Father Rupnik’s mosaics across the globe, OSV News asked whether the art can be separated from the alleged acts of abuse by the Slovenian priest-artist and what should be done with his mosaics decorating iconic churches across the globe.
Jesuits admitted under media pressure in December 2022 that, at the time, restrictions had already been in place (including a ban on celebrating Mass in public or leading spiritual exercises). The fact had never been made public before. The Jesuits announced additional restrictions after December 2022 sexual abuse claims.
In 2023, the Jesuits banned Slovenian-born Father Rupnik from continuing his artistic work — before announcing his dismissal from the order in June 2023, effective in July. But the works on the south facade’s colonnades went on in Aparecida, despite a 150-page dossier of credible accusations against Father Rupnik, believed to involve between 20 and 40 women.
Alleged victims of Father Rupnik told OSV News the planned inauguration of the newest Aparecida facade on May 11 appears to be a provocation for them, especially when elsewhere the discussion of dismantling the disgraced artist’s works is ongoing in Church circles.
Continued below.
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But alleged victims of the disgraced former Jesuit and many faithful are not in celebratory mood. Amid a heated debate on what should be done with Father Rupnik’s mosaics across the globe, OSV News asked whether the art can be separated from the alleged acts of abuse by the Slovenian priest-artist and what should be done with his mosaics decorating iconic churches across the globe.
Allegations againt Father Rupnik
In December 2022, Rome’s Jesuit headquarters, following media reports concerning alleged abuse by Father Rupnik, admitted the preliminary investigation found allegations credible as early as in 2019, and in 2020 he was excommunicated for “absolution of an accomplice,” referring to when a priest has sex with someone and then absolves the person in confession. The excommunication was lifted after only a few weeks, on the grounds that Father Rupnik had repented — which he never did, sources told OSV News.Jesuits admitted under media pressure in December 2022 that, at the time, restrictions had already been in place (including a ban on celebrating Mass in public or leading spiritual exercises). The fact had never been made public before. The Jesuits announced additional restrictions after December 2022 sexual abuse claims.
In 2023, the Jesuits banned Slovenian-born Father Rupnik from continuing his artistic work — before announcing his dismissal from the order in June 2023, effective in July. But the works on the south facade’s colonnades went on in Aparecida, despite a 150-page dossier of credible accusations against Father Rupnik, believed to involve between 20 and 40 women.
Alleged victims of Father Rupnik told OSV News the planned inauguration of the newest Aparecida facade on May 11 appears to be a provocation for them, especially when elsewhere the discussion of dismantling the disgraced artist’s works is ongoing in Church circles.
Impact on artistic legacy
Continued below.
Victims: Rupnik's art cannot be separated from abuse claims
For the rector of the world's second largest church after St. Peter's Basilica, the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Aparecida in Brazil, May 11 will be a day of celebrating the inauguration of the southern facade's mosaics, all created by Father Marko Rupik. But alleged victims of the disgraced former...
www.oursundayvisitor.com
