Between popular fervor and local patronage, the restoration project of Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde will take off on Candlemas 2025. A heritage and spiritual adventure, carried out by the people of Marseillais and their partners, to restore the icon of the city.
A golden glow for the Marseille soul. While Paris celebrates the rebirth of Notre-Dame, Marseille is preparing to revive its Good Mother. More than a restoration, it is a symbolic operation to restore all its splendor to this spiritual and heritage beacon of the Marseille city. In Marseille, everyone looks up at her, and this time, she’s the one demanding attention.
This December 9, feast of the Immaculate Conception, the diocese of Marseille announces the start of work for February 2025, a carefully chosen date. “We will launch the work on February 2, for Candlemas, a day which unites the people of Marseillais around their traditions”, explains Father Xavier Manzano, vicar general. An ambitious project, planned until December 8, the day of the Nativity of the Virgin, to restore the bell tower, re-gild the famous statue with no less than 30,000 gold leaves and install new interior lighting.
1.1 million euros collected for a 2.8 million project
To achieve this pharaonic project, it was necessary to awaken the generous soul of the city. And the figures speak: 1.1 million euros collected out of the 2.8 million needed. The “I support the Good Mother” campaign, skillfully orchestrated, touched the heart.
Thousands of Marseillais, pilgrims and tourists responded to the call, between online donations and symbolic checks. “This mobilization illustrates the deep love people have for this monument, well beyond the borders of Marseille”rejoices Father Olivier Spinosa.
But the Good Mother owes her future splendor not only to the faith of the faithful. The local economic fabric has also taken action. Olympique de Marseille opened the ball for patrons, followed by renowned businesses and artisans. Iconic houses like Escoffier (santon), Pellegrin & fils (medallion), Charlet/Frojo (jewelry), Château Calissanne (special vintage), Coulomb olive oils and the Fer à Cheval soap factory also responded.
At the checkout, some Marseillais rounded up their one euro tickets to fund the project, while emblematic houses competed in inventiveness: an exclusive santon, gold jewelry, a special vintage or even a soap bearing its image. “These initiatives are all nods to local heritage,” underlines Edouard Detaille, responsible for sponsorship.
Stay mobilized
And on the scaffolding? It will be the expert hands of the Girard, Gohard and Protibat companies who will work to restore the statue to its splendor, from stone to copper, without forgetting protection against lightning and interior lighting.
The challenges remain numerous, particularly in closing the budget. “We still need the support of communities and new partners”recalls Edouard Detaille. Each donation, each gesture, each product sold brings the Good Mother a little closer to her new golden coat. A project in the image of Marseille: united, bubbling and deeply anchored in its roots.
How to participate in the restoration of the Good Mother?
- Give a gold leaf. A donation of €50 (i.e. €17 after tax deduction) corresponds to one gold leaf to restore the statue.
???? Make your donation at www.jesoutienslabonnemere.com or by check payable to ADMto be sent to:
Archbishopric of Marseille – Bonne Mère Campaign
14 place Edon, 13284 Marseille Cedex 07 - Donations by SMS – Contribute with €5 by sending an SMS to 92013.
- For businesses and traders – Contact [email protected] to implement rounding to €1 or for other forms of support.
- Donor recognition – At the end of the campaign, all donor names will be listed on a heart-shaped ex-votoplaced at the feet of the statue of the Good Mother in the basilica.
