Basilica Of The Sacred Heart Of Jesus
One of the most sacred and religious places of Pondicherry, the Church of Sacred Heart of Jesus is situated 2.5 km away from the Pondicherry Bus Station on the south boulevard of the town. One of the 21 Basilicas in India and the only one in Pondicherry, this church was set up by French missionaries in 1908 and was given the status of the Basilica in 2011.
One of the most beautiful Catholic Churches of Pondicherry, the Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus beautifully showcases Gothic architecture. Biblical words can be seen engraved on the entrance in Latin along with the images of Jesus and Mother Mary on the door at the entrance. Occasions such as New Year, Christmas Eve, and Easter Day are celebrated at the church lavishly.
The lives of Christ along with the saints of the Catholic Church have been captured in the stained glass panels of the edifice. The centenary celebrations were held in the church during 2008-2009, and it was during this time that postal envelopes along with a unique postal stamp were released.
The church is the first-ever basilica in Pondicherry, the 6th one in Tamil Nadu, the 20th in India, and the 50th one in Asia. Thousands of people flock to the Sacred Heart Basilica to attain peace. This beautiful church is a must-visit if you are planning a trip to Pondicherry for it is going to seclude you and take you to a world of tranquillity away from the fast-moving life of the city in a mode of complete relaxation.
History of Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
Mgr. Gandhi, who was the Archbishop in the year 1895, sanctified the bishopric of Pondicherry to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. He wanted to build a church in dedication to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The building plan was prepared by the parish priest of Nellithope Reverend Fr.
Telesphore Welter. After that, the construction of the new church was begun by the parish priest of the Cathedral Reverend Fr. Fourcaud at the Southern side of Pondicherry in the year 1902.
The first mass was held in the church on 17th December 1907 by Mgr. Gandhi. After the Centenary celebrations came to an end in June 2009, the President of CBCI placed a request to the Holy See to see the elevation of this church into a Basilica. The status of the minor basilica to the church was granted by the Holy See with a papal which was dated 24th June 2011. It was officially announced by Mgr.
Antony Anandarayar was the Archbishop of Pondicherry and Cuddalore on 29th July 2011. Salvatore Pennacchio visited the basilica on 2nd September 2011 and declared the church as a basilica officially in the name of the Holy See. The church is headed by Rector S. Maria Joseph presently.
Architecture of Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
The Basilica has a length of 50 meters and a width of 48 meters. With a height of 18 meters, there is a Latin rite cross shape in the aerial view.
The church also has beautiful glass windows along with two spires and a big exterior. There is terracotta craft encircled by the glass windows. There are huge interiors with a mixture of moss green, milky white, and scarlet with 24 columns holding the entire structure together.
Inside the church, 28 glass paintings of saints were related to the sacred heart of Jesus including the Joan of Arc. A statue of Madonna too is placed on the right side of the altar draped in a blue sari. Numerous changes have been made to the church ever since it was constructed which include the introduction of a Parish Hall, a Grotto to Our Lady of Lourdes, and an Adoration chapel.
