The Forgotten Basilique
The Basilica of Saint-Maximin is where the coffin of Mary Magdalene
is preserved.
Direction : From the Airport of Nice France or Marseilles take
the highway in the direction of Aix en Provence. Exit to Saint Maximin.
Arriving in the bustling town of Saint Maximin the massive
Basilica stands for miles around. It is an awesome and immense structure dominating the town. We wind our way to the "centre
ville" and finally find a place to park.
We walk along the walls of the basilica with all the gargoyles
looming above us.
Finally, we are standing of the front of the 12th century basilica. It was built in 1254 by Charles D’Anjou II to
preserve the remains of Mary Magdalene.
For more information on historical facts, go to the links
page to www.lesamisdelabasilique.com
The massive walls and the front of the entrance are worn and
in need of remodeling. Approaching, a signs reads "close the door after your enter" and indeed the door is impressive, It
is an very large old wooden door with a fine brass handle. We laughed as we thought it was tough to enter, but finally we
manage to close the locket behind us.
Soaring ceilings, handsome stained glass, but also the feeling
of an ancient site; the basilica is empty and has a musty smell. Many candles are flickering in it’s corners. This is
not an ordinary church; rather a treasure of centuries of pilgrimage. It has a special atmosphere, it feels like a ship abandoned,
waiting for something, echoing our steps in its presence.
We are walking and the floor tiles are worn. The paintings
adorning the walls are darkened with soot and dirt, and some of them need total restoration.
Again a feeling of "standing still".
But all in all what a majestic sight, we are lost in the past.
It was designed and built with the best, and it is still standing a grand sight for those who enter its gate.
A monumental organ looms above our head, but the sculpture
of the pulpit where the priests are still preaching is amazing. Carved in wood by a Dominican monk, depicting scenes of the
life of Sainte Mary Magdalene.
A little stair leads down in the middle of the church to the
crypt where the ancient and beautiful marble coffin of Mary Magdalene and her skull is preserved behind thick glass. On each
side are 3 other tombs of Saint Maximin and others. We come up the stairs and a lovely statue of Mary Magdalene is fitted
in a small corner, lovely bouquets of yellow roses are on each side.
We walk quietly back to the entrance and on our way out, there
is a little store selling blessed items. A young frenchman is warming himself behind the desk; it is a cold morning. As we
are talking to him, we discover a little pamphlet titled: " Les Amis de la Basilique", the foundation which is helping the
basilica get back on her feet.
We came out in the sun, and went to get a "pain au chocolate"
at the bakery down the street. It was a little bustling street, and no one could ever imagine, that a few hundred feet from
our bakery, lie the remains of the most hidden disciple of Jesus.
"The rose" has been sleeping for a long time.
January 2006
* If you are interested in donating fund to the basilica
please contact Les Amis de la Basilique at info@lesamisdelabasilique.com. They have very interesting programs.
