History
The construction of the church in Issoudun is undertaken at the initiative of Jules Chevalier (1824-1907). He is a clergyman, writer, and parish priest of St. Cyr in Issoudun. This energetic man is also the founder of missionary orders. This begins in 1854 when he establishes the Order of the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The construction of the church takes place between 1857 and 1864. The style of the house of worship is Neo-Gothic.
Jules Chevalier grew up in poverty in Richelieu. He wanted to become a priest, but his parents couldn't afford it. So, he became a shoemaker. Things changed for Jules in 1841, when he was 17, because his father got a new, better job. This meant the family had more financial resources, and Jules could attend the seminary. After graduating and gaining some experience in a few parishes, Jules became a priest in Issoudun in 1854. He had grand plans and wanted to carry out projects, but he lacked the necessary funds for this. He hoped for help from above and, to that end, drew up a contract which he presented to Mary. Jules promised to honour Mary in a special way if she would give him a sign to make it clear that she supported his mission project. On 8 December 1854, the feast day of the dogma of the Immaculate Conception of Mary, he drew up the contract. On this day, after the service in church, a man approached Jules. This man promised him money for the mission project. Suddenly, Jules received a lot of money. Jules thanked the unknown man and immediately felt that this was Mary's sign. He saw the man as a messenger from heaven. Next, Jules Chevalier took his mission plan to the bishop. The high-ranking clergyman hesitated to give his approval because the generous donor was unknown to him, and he wondered how the incident had been possible. Not until September 1855 did the bishop agree to Jules' plans. Jules immediately got to work, and the first organisation of the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart became a reality. The fathers' start was in Issoudun. Some time later, a church was built, and Our Lady of the Sacred Heart was venerated there.
Years later, the grand basilica with its monastery and mission house is home to three congregations of the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart. These congregations are active in more than 50 countries.
On 8 September 1869, the sacred image of Mary was crowned in the name of Pius IX, Pope from 1846 to 1878, and born as Giovanni Maria Mastai Ferretti (1792-1878).
The church, dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, was elevated to a basilica on 17 July 1874. Later, the name of the church became “Our Lady of the Sacred Heart”.
In 1907, Jules Chevalier was buried in Issoudun.
In 1969, the construction of the large Marian Chapel in the basilica was realised.
Pilgrimage site
Issoudun, a town of approximately 14,000 inhabitants, has the largest Marian pilgrimage site in central France. The basilica named “Notre-Dame du Sacré-Cœur-d’Issoudun” (Our Lady of the Sacred Heart of Issoudun) stands here. The “Missionaries of the Sacred Heart” are active at the pilgrimage site.”
In the basilica, there is a large chapel dedicated to Our Lady of the Sacred Heart. The statue of Mary, believed to possess miraculous powers, is made of Carrara marble. Mary holds her Child close. The Child shows his heart and points to his Mother.
Next to the Chapel of Mary is the entrance to the crypt.
The Stations of the Cross in the basilica date from the late 19th century. Many ex-votos can be seen in the church.
Colourful stained-glass windows have been installed above the choir and nave. The works date from around 1950 and were designed by André-Louis Pierre (1905-1964). The stained-glass windows were made by Georges Dettviller (1888-1972), who was born in Issoudun. In the choir stand large, wooden statues of Mary and her Son on the cross.
The Feast of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart is held on 31 May.
ACCESSIBILITY
Issoudun is located in the Indre department and belongs to the Centre-Val de Loire region. The town is situated on the N151 road, east of Châteauroux and west of Bourges, near the river Théols.
Address of the basilica: Place du Sacré-Coeur 38, 36105 Issoudun.
More information can be found at:
-www.issoudun-msc.com
www.notre-dame-du-sacre-coeur.fr.
Experience
On my travels to and from the great pilgrimage site of Lourdes, I always see the sign for the turn-off to Issoudun. I've been told there's a special chapel to Mary in the basilica there, and this time I'm going.
On the motorway between Orléans and Limoges, you turn off at the sign for the town of Issoudun. Then you drive for about 20 kilometres to reach the Marian shrine. In the centre of the Marian shrine stands the imposing basilica. In front of the church is a large car park, where you drive your car into an empty space. Then you approach the entrance to the large building and, full of awe, admire the facade of an impressive church.
Upon entering, I am astounded by the size of the basilica. What a magnificent and lofty place of worship! The Great Chapel of Our Lady is located behind the altar. Mary and her Child are displayed high up, and numerous lights make the space an earthly paradise. This is the place to pray, for a visit is incomplete without prayer to Mary. Afterwards, I make my way around the basilica. There are so many stained-glass windows here, depicting Mary among other figures. The colourful windows are in various styles, and I particularly favour the older depictions.
In the church, prayer cards are laid out, and there's even a version in the Dutch language. That doesn't happen to me too often in this country. The text to Mary ends with the words: “Help us to live as You did, in the love of Your Son, so that His kingdom may come. And show that You are our Mother.”
There are plenty of paintings in this church, and after taking in a lot with wonder-filled eyes, I go down to the crypt. A service is taking place there, and as I don't want to be a disturber, the visit will be a bit later.
Next, I'll head to the covered walkways around the garden. There I also see an effigy of Our Lady where Mary appeared to Jules Chevalier. What a moving event that must have been. He presented Mary with a contract. Did She really sign it?
Finally, I will return to the basilica and visit the crypt. Next, I will go and see the ex votos in the basilica. The number of votive offerings is uncountable. After that, I will take a seat in the church. I will let the impressions sink in again.
On leaving the basilica, I feel that Mary has ensured I am enriched by an unforgettable experience. Thank you, Mary!
Environment
Going from Châteauroux to Issoudun is 29 km to the north-east.
To leave Bourges and arrive in Issoudun means travelling 38 km southwest.
Leaving Orléans and arriving in Issoudun requires travelling 135 km southwards.
The pilgrimage site of Bernadette Soubirous in Nevers, to enter Issoudun, requires covering 110 km westwards.
Travelling from the porcelain city of Limoges to the basilica in Issoudun means travelling 158 km north-east.
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