Mahir AKKAYA donated a magnificent mosaic painting to the Sanctuary of Lourdes. Disabled pilgrims, amazed by this warm gesture, asked him to take a photo with them. Moved, Mahir AKKAYA was deeply touched by this request.

During this particularly cordial visit, Monsignor Olivier RIBADEAU-DUMAS highlighted the uniqueness of this donation and confirmed the acceptance of the painting “The Virgin at the Feet”, of exceptional beauty.

The painting will be displayed in the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, the most important site at Lourdes, even though the sanctuary authorities typically never display paintings, either temporarily or permanently.

Monsignor Olivier RIBADEAU-DUMAS, impressed by Mahir AKKAYA’s commitment through these donations, also blessed his ring. The ring features the face of Jesus, crowned with diamonds, surrounded by two Armenian crosses (Armenia being the first nation to adopt Catholicism as its state religion in 315 AD).

Mahir AKKAYA then explained his patronage approach, and the sanctuary authorities immediately accepted other paintings within this framework, which is something they usually never do.

They also presented him with a letter of thanks and a pilgrim’s medal. The painting was the subject of an official donation agreement. In an unprecedented move, the letter specifies that they also wish to receive other works through patronage.

Local, national, and international media (newspapers, television, radio, internet) have widely shared this exceptional initiative. For more information, you can check the thematic content below or visit the “Press” section of the site.

The letter of thanks from Monsignor Olivier RIBADEAU-DUMAS is available on the site. If you wish to view it, please send your request to Mahir AKKAYA using the contact form.