Notre Dame de la Garde When Eugene de Mazenod was appointed bishop of Marseille he undertook a couple of significant building projects. The first was the Basilica of Notre Dame de la Garde. The first place of worship built on the top of the hill overlooking the city was built in 1214. Over centuries it became a shrine in honor of Our Lady whom the people of Marseille called “Good Mother” In 1830 the Oblates were asked to provide pastoral care for the pilgrims climbing the hill to pray to the Blessed Virgin. 10 years later Bishop Eugene de Mazenod appointed Fr Jean Bernard as chaplain. Soon he was known as “priest of the Good Mother” An affable and devoted man, a good preacher, often in demand in the parishes of the city, Father attracted pilgrims to Notre-Dame de la Garde, where he spent the morning for confessions and Mass. Full of initiative and daring, he worked at the same time for the material restoration of the chapel. Finally, Fr. Bernard conceived the project of a new church. This initiative pleased Bishop de Mazenod who supported it wholeheartedly. On September 11, 1853, the foundation stone was laid by Bishop de Mazenod in the presence of about a hundred thousand pilgrims. Unfortunately Bishop Eugene didn’t live to see the completion of the Basilica. The only part that he saw was the crypt he blest and where he celebrated Mass. Four years after Eugene’s death the Basilica was completed and blessed by Eugene’s successor to the See of Marseille.
Saint Eugene who loved the Virgin Mary so much was dreaming that the church dedicated to her was to be a not-to-miss-point of the city. Today we can
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?
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?
In 1903 the Oblates shared the same fate of all the other Religious Orders in France as they were expelled from the country. Then they had to leave the shrine built by their Founder and where they served for many years. They have never returned to look after the Basilica. Before they had to leave they placed a little plaque in the Shrine. It says: "To Our Good Mother, the Oblates of Mary Immaculate in Marseille. The Guardians of the Shrine of Notre Dame de la Garde 1831-1903" This simple plaque tells a lot about their broken hearts as they were forced to leave this church. Even if we are not the guardian of the building but our hearts guard the love we have for the Virgin Mary.
Visiting the Basilica I lit a candle for all the people who have asked me for prayer and who are close to my heart. The big candle is for you
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