Aparecida shrine celebrates completion of Rupnik-designed western facade

The National Shrine of Our Lady of Aparecida in São Paulo, Brazil, celebrated the completion of its western facade on Sept. 12. The installation features mosaics designed by Father Marko Rupnik and produced by his art studio, Centro Aletti. The celebration included music, prayers, biblical dramatizations, and fireworks.

Father Fabio Evaristo, the shrine administrator, told TV Aparecida that the new installations allow visitors to remember the community that worked together to complete the project. This follows a similar inauguration for the shrine's eastern facade held in May 2025.

The mosaics come amid ongoing controversy surrounding Father Rupnik, who faces allegations of sexual, spiritual, and psychological abuse. While the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith continues to review his canonical trial, a recent video raised questions about his participation in the installation process. Following findings that allegations against him were credible, the Jesuits imposed restrictions on Father Rupnik and later dismissed him after he refused to obey. He was subsequently received into the Diocese of Koper in Slovenia.