IN FRONT OF THE BASILICA

History The purpose of the novena from 30 November to 8 December 1854 was to obtain "a sign" that would enable them to buy a house for the new congregation. As soon as Mary gave her sign Fr. CHEVALIER discussed the matter with Mr. VOISIN who took charge of the business side of things. Before Mr VOISIN began his transactions, a couple came to buy the house in question. They abandoned the idea because of its proximity to the cemetery. Discreetly at night, CHEVALIER and MAUGENEST went to see, from the square, if the house was suitable for their plans. The 2 curates were very satisfied. Cardinal DUPONT approved the Foundation on 4 June 1855 and that very day he appointed 2 new curates to Issoudun. To vacate the place for their successors, CHEVALIER left for RICHELIEU and MAUGENEST went to his family in CHEZAL-BENOIT .

Constructing the first church (Basilica)

As soon as Mr. VOISIN acquired the house, CHEVALIER and MAUGENEST returned and transformed the outhouse into a chapel.
The church was built in two stages:
- the chancel (or sanctuary area) at the bottom of the garden,
- then the first chapel was demolished to make way for the rest of the church as far as the bell-tower. Fr. BERTOLINI is of the opinion that the first statue of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart is the one that is over the main entrance.
The blessing of the church took place on the 7 June 1861 and Rome gave it the title of "Minor Basilica" in 1874 .

The location of the first house is precisely indicated because of the existence of the original cellar. The first house had an additional storey added to it. The chaplains' wing was constructed for the feasts connected with the crowning in 1869.

Re-opening of the Basilica

The police came twice, in 1880 and 1903, to seal the door of the Basilica. On the day of Fr. CHEVALIER's funeral, 24 October 1907, the cortege brought him from the church of St CYR to the basilica. It was the first time that the doors of the basilica had been opened since they were sealed in 1903
The next day the coffin was placed in the crypt next to that of Fr. VANDEL which had been secretely brought there some days before .

From the time of Fr. CHEVALIER

As you enter the basilica you will see the MSC motto on the floor:
"May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be everywhere loved ! "
"Jesus is the first MSC. He was the first to reveal to all people the love he has for them." (CHEVALIER).

Fr. CHEVALIER's Faith Journey

An extract from Fr. CHEVALIER's letter to Fr. JOUET when the first missionaries were about to leave for New Guinea :
"Impossible to be present at the departure of our dearly beloved, heroic confreres who are going to bring to Oceania the knowledge and love of the Sacred Heart and Our Lady. How I envy their lot! What a sacrifice not to be able to bless and embrace them at this solemn hour! Apologize for me to these fortunate men. Give them a farewell kiss in my name. How I suffer not to be able to be in Barcelona at this moment ... " (30 August 1881 ).

How does this inspire us today ?

When confronted with the evils of our modern world, how do we witness today to the missionary zeal of Fr. CHEVALIER ?

Visit of the basilica :