Lourdes Sanctuary Installs Mosaic Addressing Church Sexual Abuse
The Sanctuary of Lourdes has installed a monumental mosaic composed of 2,500 tessellae sent by victims of sexual abuse within the Catholic Church and their supporters. The artwork, created by Sister Samuelle, a hermit nun and artist, aims to 'piece together the fragments' of survivors' experiences. Two elements of the mosaic will be permanently preserved at the Marian sanctuary. The project serves as both a memorial and a call for recognition of the harm inflicted by clergy.
Key facts
- The mosaic consists of 2,500 tessellae sent by victims or supporters.
- Sister Samuelle, a hermit nun and artist, created the work.
- The installation is at the Sanctuary of Lourdes.
- Two elements of the mosaic will be kept at the sanctuary.
- The mosaic addresses sexual violence committed within the Church.
- The work is described as 'piecing together the fragments' of victims' experiences.
- The project is both a memorial and a call for recognition.
- The article was published by Le Monde on July 1, 2026.
Entities
Artists
- Sister Samuelle
Institutions
- Sanctuary of Lourdes
- Catholic Church
- Le Monde
Locations
- Lourdes
- France