National Sanctuary of Aparecida inaugurates new mosaic facade

The National Sanctuary of Aparecida in Brazil has officially inaugurated its new West Facade, marking the completion of the Biblical Journey project initiated in 2019. The monumental decoration consists of nearly 4,000 square meters of mosaics.

The project has been closely linked to the controversy surrounding Slovenian artist and former Jesuit Marko Rupnik. While the sanctuary originally associated the project explicitly with Rupnik, the current presentation highlights the 39 mosaic artists affiliated with the Aletti Center, which was founded by Rupnik. Rupnik was expelled from the Society of Jesus in 2023 following allegations of sexual, spiritual, and psychological abuse involving several women, including former nuns. While canonical proceedings are ongoing, the sanctuary, managed by the Redemptorists, proceeded with the construction despite public indignation in 2022.

The inauguration ceremony included religious reflections, musical performances, and a blessing by Archbishop Emeritus Dom Orlando Brandes. The mosaics depict themes related to the history of salvation and the second coming of Jesus Christ.