
appreciate his dream. The Basilica with a huge statue of Mary with the Child is not only the most recognizable feature of Marseille but it keeps reminding the citizens and the visitors of Mary who is offering her Son Jesus Christ to us all. In 1854, Eugene declared: “I would have been really happy if after my death my heart were placed in the sanctuary of Notre-Dame de la Garde at the feet of our good Mother whose temple I have had the happiness of rebuilding...”
I found the place very homely and prayerful. Probably that nothing extraordinary as we Oblates have a strong attachment to Mary. Each place dedicated to her becomes like our home. If she is our Mother and we are her children can it be different?