In Oudenbosch they are very proud of their basilica. So proud that a miniature version of the striking building has recently become available in the church shop and at the Intratuin in Halsteren. There the mini-basilicas are selling like hot cakes. Pastor Maickel Prasing thinks it is a pity that there is no small priest among them.
Having the ‘dome in your head’. You know that expression? In Oudenbosch and the surrounding area they immediately know what you are talking about: the love for ‘their’ basilica, a smaller version of St. Peter’s in Rome.
Pastor Maickel Prasing is very happy with the scale model of one of his workplaces. Although the finish leaves something to be desired. For example, in the production speed, the paint has run a bit in some places. “There are some things to note here and there, but in general it is very well copied,” says Prasing.
“We have made the construction drawings available.”
The idea for the copy of the copy of the copy came about four years ago. “One of our parishioners submitted an application to the garden center to have the basilica made as a scale model. The garden center agreed and we, as the church board, made the original construction drawings available to the Chinese manufacturer,” explains Pastor Prasing.
Initially, there was no blessing on the mini-churches. Delivery has already been postponed due to corona. When there was finally white smoke last year, the scale models turned out to be stranded in a container on the stalled ship in the Suez Canal.
“We have to replenish the stock again.”
According to Pastor Prasing, the miniatures are now going ‘like a charm’. The ‘Christmas house’ is especially popular among the inhabitants of Oudenbosch. “We have to replenish the stock in our church store again.” Marketing manager Gerrie Veraart of Intratuin in Halsteren can confirm the picture. “We get calls every day from people whether they are still for sale.”
The church board earns nothing from the sale. “Perhaps the garden center can still sponsor us”, laughs Maickel, who has to make do with the ‘special honour’ for the time being. Veraar of the garden center is not tempted to make a statement about this.
“Maybe we can hand over a copy to the Pope.”
The mini-basilica is given a nice place in the living room of the pastor. Perhaps his example will be followed in Vatican City. Maickel Prasing: “I haven’t thought about it yet, but who knows? We visit Rome regularly so we may be able to hand over a copy to the Pope.”
The pastor is only missing a mini version of himself at the basilica. “I have to go to a model shop for such a doll soon, because they have to be there.”
