The mosaics prominently featured in the Marian sanctuary in Lourdes, France, created by Father Marko Rupnik — accused of abusing dozens of women over his decades of ministry — must eventually be removed from the basilica where they are currently displayed, the bishop of Tarbes and Lourdes said.
Arts & Culture
‘Apache Christ’ icon removed from New Mexico mission, shocking Indigenous parishioners
An Indigenous image of Jesus Christ by an acclaimed iconographer has been removed from a New Mexico church for unspecified reasons, days after the U.S. bishops approved a pastoral framework for Indigenous ministry.
Pope swaps jokes with comedy stars at Vatican
As they waited for Pope Francis to arrive at the Clementine Hall in the Vatican Apostolic Palace for an early morning audience, late night comedy stars looked at each other and thought, “something’s wrong.”
Music teaches harmony with others, self and church, pope says
The Catholic Church should function like a choir where every member contributes his or her unique part to create a harmonious whole, Pope Francis said.
Priests band together to celebrate Virgin Mary with music, community
Armed with guitars, drums, bass and a microphone, two bands comprised of local priests rocked out in the name of the Virgin Mary at a live music venue on The Wharf in Washington’s waterfront neighborhood.
Ripley and Rupnik
Caravaggio’s victims are long gone. But living, breathing women whose lives have been drastically impacted by Rupnik live on. It’s time to honor them.
As cross and tower bells return to Notre Dame, firefighters’ chaplain recalls battle to save icon
The cross over Notre Dame’s choir and the eight bronze bells in the north tower can now be reinstalled in their rightful place in the iconic Paris cathedral.
LEGO’s Notre Dame model comes just in time for cathedral reopening
As workers complete the rebuilding of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris after a devastating 2019 fire, LEGO fans can assemble their own model of the iconic medieval structure, thanks to a soon-to-be-released kit from the Denmark-based toy manufacturer.
‘Wildcat’ a reminder of Flannery O’Connor’s enduring attraction
Ethan Hawke knows “Wildcat,” his film about the life and imagination of Southern writer Flannery O’Connor released May 3, is unlikely to attract general audiences. “It’s a difficult subject matter for a lot of people. They don’t know what to make out of it,” he said in a Q&A with media April 30. The film […]
It’s the year of the Paris Olympics. Here are the Catholic must-sees in the French capital
More than 15 million visitors are expected to descend upon the city of Paris this summer for the 2024 Olympics. The French capital will serve as the stage for over 300 events in 32 sports — including, for the first time, breakdancing — to test participants’ adherence to the time-honored Olympic creed: “The important thing in life is not the triumph, but the fight; the essential thing is not to have won, but to have fought well.”
‘Tortured Poet’ Taylor Swift offers troubled tales of our time
Taylor Swift grapples with the weight of her words in her latest offering “The Tortured Poets Department,” a 31-track double album that explores heartbreak, fame and longing.
Alleged victims of Father Marko Rupnik: His 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.