Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Pondicherry(Timings, History)
The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is a Roman Catholic Basilica situated on the South Boulevard in Pondicherry. It is one of Pondicherry’s most well-known attractions and one of the 21 most renowned basilicas in the nation. French missionaries constructed it in 1908, and in 2011, it was given the title of basilica. It is thought to be Puducherry’s largest church and was constructed in the Roman-Byzantine style.
The church, which was founded by Rev. Fr. Fourcaud and Rev. Fr. Telesphore Welter, draws Catholics from all across India. During Christmas and other holiday masses, pilgrims come to the Church. On New Year’s Eve and Christmas Eve, there are lavish festivities planned. The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is another popular tourist destination because of its magnificent Gothic architecture. It is distinguished from other Puducherry churches by its superb architecture and commanding façade adorned with Corinthian columns.
History of Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Pondicherry
In 1895, the Archdiocese of Pondicherry was consecrated by Archbishop Mgr. Gandhi. His goal was to consecrate a church to Jesus’ Sacred Heart. The construction plan was created by Rev. Fr. Telesphore Welter, the parish priest of Nellithope, in order to realise his ambition. Rev. Fr. Fourcaud, the parish priest of the cathedral, started the church’s construction in 1902.
The church was situated on Pondicherry Town’s southern side. On December 17, 1907, Mgr. Gandhi celebrated the first Holy Mass and blessed the Church. At that time, it was the monument’s western wing as it is now. The new parish that surrounded this church was created later in 1908. Over the years, the Basilica has undergone additional expansions, including a chapel dedicated to adoration and a Grotto dedicated to Our Lady of Lourdes.
Architecture of Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
One of the most exquisite cathedrals in India is the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, which features an uncommon fusion of French and Indian design. It is around eighteen meters high, fifty meters long, and forty-eight meters wide. The monument appears as a Latin-rite cross from above. Among the many features that set it apart from other churches in South India is its stained glass windows.
The Basilica’s 24 major columns add to its beauty. The biblical word is written on them, which support the building. Also visible in the glass are the images of twenty-eight saints. The devotion to Jesus’ Sacred Heart was associated with these saints.
Entry Fee and Timings of Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in Pondicherry is free to enter. The church is open Monday through Friday from 6 AM to 6 PM. It is open from 6 AM to 5:30 PM on Saturdays and from 5:30 AM to 7:30 PM on Sundays.
