Basilica of Sacred Heart represents history, art, and faith

In an 1847 letter to Blessed Basil Moreau, the founder of the Congregation of the Holy Cross, Father Edward Sorin, CSC, famously wrote about Notre Dame: “This college cannot fail to succeed.”  His firm resolve to cultivate and fortify the university shone throughout his life, and one of the most famous and beautiful fruits of his labor is the Basilica of the Sacred Heart.

The Basilica thrives as an integral part of Notre Dame, embodying a rich history of art and faith that began hundreds of years before the university’s founding.

In 1686, Father Claude Allouez founded “Ste.-Marie-des-Lacs,” the first Catholic mission on the shores of St. Mary’s Lake.  As the Catholic presence in the area developed, a series of chapels and churches arose, culminating in the Basilica we see today.

After the French and Indian War (during which Catholic missions were banned), Father Stephen Badin, CSC, reestablished the mission in 1830 and constructed the original Log Chapel.  Twelve years later, Fr. Sorin and his companions arrived.  Within the year, a larger chapel had been completed, and in 1844 Fr. Sorin dedicated it to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.  As the university grew, however, the administration began to plan construction for a more sizable church.

Sacred Heart Church served the university for 24 years, from 1847 through 1871.  Though Neo-Gothic in style (like today’s Basilica), the wooden construction of this church gave it a simpler quality.  It had two spires and a small rose window above the double doors.  One emblem of this church that has remained, the carillon of 23 bells, was blessed in 1856, each receiving a name relating to the life of our Lady, such as “Mary of the Annunciation.”

Still, Fr. Sorin and his companions dreamed of a larger, grander church for the university, and in 1868, a new series of construction phases commenced.

The final additions to the new church—the spire and the Lady Chapel in the rear—were completed in 1892.  One hundred years later, Pope St. John Paul II declared it a minor basilica, a special title given to churches of historical or devotional significance.  Two symbols, the Tintinnabulum (bell) and Ombrellino (umbrella) stand on either side of the tabernacle to represent this honor.

Since its completion, the Basilica has undergone several major renovations.  After Vatican II, efforts to increase focus on the Mass led to an expansion of the sanctuary and a new altar in 1968.  Several decorations such as the Stations were removed for simplification, but were replaced in later restorations (1988-1991).

The Basilica has 44 stained glass windows and 56 murals.  Luigi Gregori, Vatican artist for Pope Pius IX and Professor of Art at Notre Dame, painted the murals, using not only family members but also students, faculty, and Holy Cross priests and brothers as models.

The images that cover the walls and ceiling of the Basilica represent themes relevant to the university’s identity.  Scenes from the life of Christ and the Blessed Mother, such as “Death of St. Joseph” (to the right of the tabernacle) and “Our Lady of Lourdes” (to the left of the tabernacle) honor the heart of Christianity and the patroness of Notre Dame.  The Congregation of the Holy Cross receives particular honor through the ceiling mural in the Lady Chapel, the “Exaltation of the Holy Cross.”

The tabernacle is also of great significance.  Inspired by the Book of Revelation, this Neo-Gothic structure is adorned with statues of angels and the Sacrificial Lamb.  In 1876, it won a first premium for design at the Philadelphia Exposition.

Many other beautiful and crucial works and items are less prominent.  A 2008 painting of Our Lady of Guadalupe by Maria Tomasula, Professor of Art and Art History, hangs in the Holy Angels Chapel, to the left of the Lady Chapel.  Directly opposite, a Reliquary Chapel contains hundreds of relics, including pieces of the True Cross, the apostles, and saints for every day of the Church calendar.

Basilica rector Father Peter Rocca, CSC, described to the Rover the Basilica’s role as the mother church of the Congregation of the Holy Cross in the United States:  “It is here that Holy Cross religious make profession of perpetual vows, our seminarians are ordained priests, our community feasts are celebrated, and where our deceased religious are commended to God.”

In addition, it serves as a parish church for families of the surrounding area.  “It has been a place of worship and prayer for untold numbers of people,” Fr. Rocca continued, “including our students, faculty, staff, alumni, as well as our regular worshipers, pilgrims, and countless visitors.”

Standing erect near Main Building, the other half of the university’s core structure, the Basilica of the Sacred Heart reminds us of the historical journey, aesthetic beauty, and strong Catholic tradition of Notre Dame.  As it continues to serve as a place of contemplation, prayer, and peace, it will remain a necessary component in what makes Notre Dame a home.

 

Special thanks to A Spire of Faith by Thomas J. Schlereth for some of the information in this article.

 

Sophia Buono is a freshman who plans to major in the Program of Liberal Studies.  She recommends visiting the Basilica for tours (9 a.m.-12 p.m.) or obtaining a copy of the self-guided tour brochure to learn more.  Contact Sophia at sbuono@nd.edu.