Marko Rupnik's mosaics transform the Cave of St. Ignatius

The Slovenian artist and Jesuit Marko Rupnik and his team, are working intensely these days in the Sanctuary of the Cave of St. Ignatius, in Manresa, installing the set of mosaics they have created for the side chapels of the Sanctuary.

A work that is still unfinished but that captivates those who contemplate it, for the strength of its message, its beauty and the fascinating process involved in its creation. There are more than 550 square meters of mosaics, which show the Christian pilgrimage through the Spiritual Exercises. "An itinerary of prayer," the artist himself has explained, "in which one moves from a declared Catholicism to a lived faith."

A space of encounter

The work is full of details, and all of them are telling us something. Many of them are closely linked to Ignatian spirituality. But the artist has defined this work, above all, as a space of encounter. Marko Rupnik explained that the mosaic is an extraordinary art that implies a communal experience. "A church experience, as a communion of people, which expresses who we are." The materials he uses come from all over the world and the artist assures that, in this technique, a dialogue is established with the stone. "The first lesson to cut the stone is to take it with love, with tenderness".

To be able to carry out this work right in the place where St. Ignatius of Loyola began to write the book of the Exercises, represents, for this Jesuit artist, a gift that he receives with "immense gratitude" and also as "a culmination of what throughout my life I have thought and studied".

Eight side chapels

A few days ago, Monday, Marko Rupnik and his team spent a few minutes presenting the work they are doing to the media and representatives of institutions of the city of Manresa and the Society of Jesus. However, the work did not stop during the presentation. The mosaics occupy the eight side chapels of the Sanctuary and there will also be one on the inside wall of the entrance door which will be dedicated to the parable of the sower.

Throughout this week the installation is expected to be completed and then the work will be finished with the lighting and cleaning tasks. The Sanctuary could reopen to the public probably from April 10, while the solemn act of inauguration will take place coinciding with the day of St. Ignatius, July 31, and with the presence of the Superior General of the Society of Jesus, Father Arturo Sosa SJ.

Part of the celebration of Ignatius 500

The remodelling of the interior of the Sanctuary is part of the celebration of Ignatius 500, the year that commemorates between May 2021 and July 2022 the conversion of the founder of the Jesuits. A celebration that will be lived intensely in Manresa, since it coincides with the 500th anniversary of his arrival in this city.

Image album in this link: https://www.flickr.com/photos/jesuitasesp/sets/72157718743208268/

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