by Sacred Heart Cathedral Church built in 20th century is a house of worships (Christianity) located in the heart of New Delhi, India. The exterior view of the building with fine Italian cathedral architecture, painted in white color dominated by rich terracotta, is wonderfully attractive and beautiful. The Church has Roman Catholic affiliation.
Sacred Heart Cathedral is an important Church of Christians fellows; and the prayers take place daily on regular basis. The Church turns into rush hour during morning and evening prayers time, and are attended by devotees. The Sundays are full of people and it is a rush day. The Sacred Heart Cathedral is the most happening center during Christmas and Easter Day celebrations.
The Holy Father John Paul II during his visit to India, visited Sacred Heart Cathedral Church of Delhi, India, in 1986. His visit to the church provided a high popularity to this church. Apart from believers, the church is a major tourists’ attraction of Delhi. It is visited by a considerable number of tourists from India and abroad.
- Also read about the history and facts of India Gate, New Delhi.
Sacred Heart Cathedral is situated near Gurdwara Bangla Saheb and it is easily accessible. A statue of Father Pope John Paul II, stands with outstretched arms greeting the devotees and people, can be seen from a distance on the church building. A massive historical bell donated by Archbishop Evangelisti Vanni is still there on the top of the main building.
As you enter the interior part of the Sacred Heart Cathedral Church, you will see a well furnished huge prayer hall with seating arrangements for devotees.
- Also read the facts, history and tour of Qutub Minaret, a world heritage site, New Delhi.
The interior of the building has a large statue of Virgin Mary, beautifully carved into stone, alongside a huge crucifix, beside the Chapel, attracting your attention. Behind the priest-celebrant and in the front of praying people the mural of the Last Supper of the Lord can be seen.
The church has been built in the center of a land area of 14 acres. The premises of the Sacred Heart Cathedral contain two separate buildings of learning as well. One of them is St. Columba’s School and the other one is Convent of Jesus Mary School, providing modern education to the students.
The spaces and areas of the Church have beautiful gardens and contain green trees multiplying the beauty to the space.
Background:
The plot to build Sacred Heart Cathedral was bought in 1922 AD, by Father Luke Vannucci Ernesto da Parato popularly known as Fr. Luke. The architectural plan was drawn by Henry Medd (a British architect) and his associates.
The foundation stone of the church was laid by Archbishop Evangelista Latino Enrico Vanni of Agra in 1929. However, the construction work was efficiently started in 1930. It took five years to complete the building of Sacred Heart Cathedral. The fund to build the church was generated from the voluntary and societal contributions.
After the completion of church building, the inaugural ceremony of the Church took place on 8th of December, 1935. It was inaugurated by Papal Internuncio and Leo Kierkels in the presence of other bishops and Christian people. The participation and presence of priests and people, men and women belonging from other faiths too, into the congregation of inaugural occasion of Church. It was a wonderful example of respect and brotherhood.
- Also read about Laxminarayan Temple, New Delhi.
If you are in Delhi, or coming to Delhi, I will recommend you to include Sacred Heart Cathedral Church of Delhi in your visit/tour list.
The Church remains open all the days of the week from 06:30 AM to 06:00 PM (Indian Standard Time).
For more details please visit the official website of the Church.
