Sacred Heart Of Cathedral Church, Delhi

With magnificent architectural design and high sacred significance, it’s no surprise that Sacred Heart of Cathedral Church is itself a highly revered tourist landmark in Delhi. Sprawling in an area of 14 acres, Sacred Heart of Cathedral Church is located near the Gole Dak Khana at the intersection of Baba Kharak Singh Marg and Ashoka Road in Connaught Place. This beautiful built Christian shrine is touted as one of the largest and the oldest churches in Delhi. The history of this church states that the foundation stone of Sacred Heart of Cathedral Church was laid in 1929.

Being the oldest of its kind in the capital city, the Sacred Heart of Cathedral Church boasts distinct importance in the hearts of devotees. Irrespective of region, the cathedral welcomes every visitor, and thus, on your visit on a normal you can find a few people inside the church.

On normal days, the church mostly remains vacant except at the time of the mass. However, during the time of Christmas, the church thronged with hundreds of visitors, both locals and tourists who come here to be a part of this grand celebration. The festival of Christmas at Sacred Heart of Cathedral brings the two most important celebrations of the church - The Feast of the Holy Family of Nazareth and The Christmas Vigil Service. The celebration of Christmas at this popular church in Delhi is not only observed by the prayers and other rituals but, several cultural and social programs are also organized by the church. Besides, several annual events are also organized at this church that witnesses a significant footfall of devotees. Not just the devotees, locals and tourists also flock to this place during the annual events to be a part of the famous gala feast of spirit and mind in Holy communion with divinity. Along with Christmas, Easter is another important event at Sacred Heart of Cathedral Church.

History

The church was founded by Father Luke who was a member of the Franciscan first order which was founded by St. Francis of Assisi. The lead was taken by St. Francis and Agra’s Archbishop in the year 1929 to build this church.

Famous revolutionary Dr. E. Vanni laid the foundation stone of this church in the year 1929. The church is a perfect example of societal contribution. The altar of the church was gifted by Sir Anthony de Mello made of pure marble and is a masterpiece. The British Colonial officers financed the whole project while Agra's Archbishop gifted the altar furniture, vestments, and a huge bell.

Architecture

It was Father Luke who took the initiative to build the church, but, it is designed by Henry Medd - a renowned British architect. The Sacred Heart of Cathedral is built in an Italian architectural style. An important feature of the church’s building is the white pillars that are holding up the canopy along with the entrance porch located on each side of the church. Moreover, the architecture of the church also includes circular arcaded turrets ascending above the roof. Besides, the interior of the church is also as striking as the exterior. It includes a towering curved roof along with broad arches and polished stone floors. Coming onto the Altar, it is purely made up of white marble. Behind the Altar, there is a huge fresco representing the Last Supper - the last meal that Jesus Christ shared with their disciple before the crucifixion. Moreover, there is a large crucifixion placed on the left side of the chapel; next to the crucifixion is the effigy of the Virgin Mary.