It is in Saint-Laurent-sur-Sèvre, a place marked by the murder of Father Olivier MAIRE, that Mahir AKKAYA wished to pay tribute to this priest by offering one of his paintings.

He was personally received by Father Paulin RAMANANDRAIBE, rector of the Basilica of Saint-Laurent-sur-Sèvre, as well as by Mr. Dominique FELDFEBEL, the first deputy mayor of the city.

During this cordial visit, Father RAMANANDRAIBE highlighted the uniqueness of the donation by accepting the painting “Jesus with the Sacred Heart”, of striking beauty. Initially intended to adorn Father Olivier MAIRE’s room, the painting, after being shown to a few parishioners, was deemed worthy of being displayed directly in the basilica.

Always keen to acknowledge Mahir AKKAYA’s commitment, Father RAMANANDRAIBE also blessed his ring, which features the face of Jesus surrounded by a crown of diamonds, accompanied by two Armenian crosses (the first nation to adopt Christianity as the state religion in 315 AD).

Mahir AKKAYA presented his approach to patronage. Exceptionally, after receiving the painting, they inquired if it would be possible to obtain one or more other paintings from the same artist, whereas, typically, they do not accept such donations.

On this occasion, a letter of thanks and a pilgrim’s medal were presented to him, and the donation was formalized through an official agreement.

Local, national, and international media (print press, television, radio, internet) have widely covered this initiative (see the “Press” section on the website).

The letter of thanks from Father Paulin RAMANANDRAIBE is available on the website. If you would like to view it, please send your request to Mahir AKKAYA using the contact form.