Churches In India

Basilica Of The Sacred Heart Of Jesus Pondicherry

The Church Sacred Heart Church is situated in Pondicherry on South Boulevard; it is one of the oriental specimens of the Gothic architecture. This church contains some of the rarest stained panels made of glass which depicts different events from life of Jesus Christ & saints of Catholic Church. In today’s recent times this church has been among the renowned pilgrimage place for Christians.

This Church of Sacred Heart of Jesus has its construction in a Gothic style, is one of the highly revered pious destination in the city of Pondicherry. Many believers and visitors are thronging to the church to offer their prayers. One will feel blessed after by seeing these beautiful windows made of stained glass which highlights life of Jesus.

Each year in this church one will witness a growing rush of thousands & thousands of devotees who come from different places across the world. The gigantic church till today stays to be among the most wonderful churches in the city of Pondicherry.

History

In 1895, Mgr. Gandhi who was Archbishop then consecrated this Archdiocese of the city of Pondicherry into Sacred Heart of Jesus. His wish was to construct a brand new church which is devoted to Jesus’s Sacred Heart. The plan of the building was done by Rev. Fr. Telesphore Welter who was the priest of Nellithope prepared & parish priest of Cathedral Mr. Rev. Fr. Fourcaud did the commencement of the construction for this new Church during the year of 1902 on the South side of Pondicherry town.

Blessing of this church & first mass which was held here at church’s western wing by Mgr. Gandhi in the year of 1907 on December, 17 & new parish which surround the Church and which was established in the year of 1908, January 27.

Centenary Celebrations

The church celebrated its centenary year in 2008-2009 of founding of parish. One special postal envelope and postal stamp were released in the market to mark this valedictory function to celebrate the centenary.

Elevation to Basilica Status

After the Centenary Celebrations came to an end on June 2009, one request was done via His Eminence i.e. Telesphore Toppo who is the President of CBCI to Holy See so that this church can have an elevation from church to Basilica. The request was granted by Holy See and minor Basilica status was given to this Church, in the year of 2011 June 24 with the papal brief as well. The same arrived on July 29, 2011 which was a Friday to the house of archbishop. Then it was officially declared by Mgr. Antony Anandarayar who was the Archbishop of Cuddalore and Pondicherry on 29th July, 2011. Presently this Basilica is taken care by Rector, Most Rev. Fr. S. Maria Joseph.

Architecture

This church is 100 years old with historical values is of 50 mts. In length, 48 mts in width and around 18 mts. in height with cross shape in Latin rite from the arial view was been built in the Gothic style. The structure has 24 main columns which hold it. Above the door during entrance one can see those biblical verses from 2nd Chronicles 7:16 been written in Latin "sanctificavi locum istum, ut sit nomen meum ibi" that means to be "I have consecratd the house tht my name might be there forever always. My eyes & my heart will also be there always.” Inside this church one can see different Glass paintings or pictures of around 28 saints those were related with devotion of the Sacred Heart of our Jesus.

This hundred yr old Church have been ledby twenty different parish priests. The Grotto for Our Lady of Lourdes, Adoration chapel, Parish Hall and new parish hall were among some of those developments which was done by the church in last fifty years. After the year 2005, i.e. just after the Parish Priest Rev. Fr. Thomas, arrived , this church has undergone full renovation both inside & out.

Worship Services

Monday till Thursday: 6am in morning & 6pm in evening

Friday & Saturday: at 6 am in morning & 5:30pm in evening

Sunday: 5:30am to 7:30 am in morning & 5:15pm in  evening.

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