Manuel Baldemor unveils People Power mosaic in Paris
MANILA, Philippines - Thirty busloads of Filipino Catholic devotees in Paris together with other visitors and pilgrims from other countries made their way to the Basilica of St. Therese de Lisieux on Oct. 18 to witness the inauguration and benediction of the mosaic mural done by Filipino artist Manuel Baldemor and French mosaic artists Sylvie Henot and Francois Sand.
The unveiling was graced by Philippine ambassadors from the Netherlands, Belgium, and France along with their staff.
The epic mural depicting the Philippine People Power Revolution of 1986 was the object of dedication for the High Mass held at the Basilica of St. Therese of the Child Jesus in Lisieux, Normandy.
The event was officiated and blessed by Cardinal Andre Vingt-Trois of Paris, Mgr. Eric de Moulins-Beaufort, Mgr. Xavier Rambaud, Archbishop of Lipa Mgr. Ramon Arguelles, Basilica rector Mgr. Bernard Lagouette, and Fr. Gil Apuli of the Filipino Chaplaincy in Paris.
The event seemed like a miniature People Power in itself with yellow confetti showers, a dramatic performance by the Filipino overseas workers in Paris, and a general festive atmosphere akin to that of Edsa 1.
Coinciding with the benediction was the 20th anniversary celebration of the Philippine Catholic Chaplaincy in Paris, a non-profit organization dedicated to the spiritual and moral guidance of the Filipino community in Paris. The inauguration also serves as the culmination of a series of celebrative religious activities sponsored by the Chaplaincy.
“I do believe that this mosaic will give not only a much-deserved tribute to the People Power event of 1986 but also pride and honor to the Philippines as a nation. It holds great significance as a permanent lasting tribute of Philippine democracy in the heart of France and will also be a comfort to Philippine Overseas Workers for all time,” Manuel Baldemor said.
