Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
About Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
Far From City: 2 kms from city center
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 named Reverend Fr. Telesphore Welter. After that, the construction of the new church was begun by the parish priest of the Cathedral named 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 who 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 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, there are 28 glass paintings of saints who 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.
Basilica Of The Sacred Heart Of Jesus Mass Timings
Monday - Saturday: 5:30 AM, 12:30 PM, 6:00 PM
Sunday: 5:30 AM, 7:30 AM, 12:00 PM, 5:00 PM (English)6:15 PM (Tamil)
Best time to visit Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
The perfect time to visit the church is between October and March when the temperature is quite pleasant ranging from 15 to 30 degrees Celsius. Avoid visiting the place during summers from April to June since the temperature remains hot.
How to Reach Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus lies north of the city centre. It is situated nearby the Pondicherry Train Station thereby making it very accessible. One can take the local transport to commute within the city to and fro from the church.
Top Tourist Places in Pondicherry
Auroville Ashram
Water Sports in Pondicherry
Scuba Diving in Pondicherry
Seaside Promenade
Chunnambar Boat House
Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
All Tourist Places in Pondicherry
Pondicherry Packages
Compare quotes from upto 3 travel agents for free
Fabulous Mahabalipuram, Pondicherry & 4 places | 9 Days 8 Nights
? 36,950
onwards
CUSTOMIZE & GET QUOTES
Glorious Chennai, Mahabalipuram & 8 places | 25 Days 24 Nights
? 100,000
onwards
CUSTOMIZE & GET QUOTES
Dazzling Chennai, Mahabalipuram & Pondicherry | 5 Days 4 Nights
? 9,499
onwards
CUSTOMIZE & GET QUOTES
View All Packages for Pondicherry
Comments on Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
Post Your Comment
