Sacred Heart Basilica, located almost near Rock Beach in Puducherry, is a Roman Catholic basilica dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Puducherry was developed as a French colony by the French, so most of the buildings have French Gothic architecture as it is seen in this Sacred Heart Basilica. The construction of this basilica began in 1902 and the consecration took place in 1907. And the first mass was held on 17th December 1907 in the western wing of this church.
The centenary celebration of this church was held in 2008-2009 to celebrate the completion of 100 years of the establishment of the church which was a minor Basilica. After this celebration, an appeal was made to the patrons of this church to grant it the status of a full basilica, which was granted on 11th October 2012.
It’s a grand Basilica approximately 60 feet high and the facade is very attractive with two three storeyed towers at the corners. It has three archways to enter the Church. Columns have the statues of four saints or evangelists at the level of doors tops and at ground four pedestals with electric lamps containing the brief details of those evangelists.
The central entrance bears the bible verse in Latin “sanctificavi locum istum, ut sit nomen meum ibi” which means that I have consecrated this house, that my name may be there forever. My eyes and my heart will be there forever.
Above the central archway a circular shield displaying the images of 12 companions and in the centre is the image of Jesus. At the top in the centre of the fascad Holy Cross is installed below some inscription and then the Statue of Jesus. Its interior is quite fascinating and has many saints pictures on the stained glasses. Altar is so charming and pathetic that it can’t be described in words.
This Basilica has a very calm, spiritual ambience so that one will be lost in time.