On Aug. 16 (Friday), the University of Notre Dame celebrates the 125th anniversary of the consecration of the Basilica of the Sacred Heart. The Most Rev. Daniel Robert Jenky, C.S.C., bishop of Peoria, Ill., will preside at a special 4 p.m. Mass that will also feature music from alumni of the Notre Dame Liturgical Choir. A reception in the Rotunda of the Main Building will follow. All are welcome to attend.
The Basilica serves as the oldest and principal church of the Congregation of Holy Cross in the United States and as the cornerstone of liturgical life at Notre Dame. The Mass and reception will commemorate the consecration of the Basilica by the Most Rev. Joseph Gregory Dwenger, bishop of Fort Wayne, Ind., on Aug. 15, 1888.
“The Basilica is central to the life and mission of Notre Dame,” said Basilica Rector Rev. Peter Rocca, C.S.C. “It is a place of worship for students, faculty, staff, alumni, pilgrims, community members and countless visitors. It is also a place of new beginnings, a place of confirmation, a place of love and a place where the deceased are commended to God. The Basilica helps us to experience the splendor of God’s glory at Our Lady’s University, and we couldn’t be happier about celebrating this milestone with both the Notre Dame and South Bend communities.”
The Basilica Museum, located in the Sacristy, is open to the public Monday through Friday from 9 to 11 a.m. and 1 to 4 p.m. and Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m. Tour availability is subject to change due to weddings, funerals and other special liturgies.
To take a self-guided tour, download a brochure that points out and describes many points of interest in the Basilica, including the statue of Blessed Basil Moreau, C.S.C., in the Our Lady of Victory Chapel; the famed Ivan Mestrovic Pietà; and the Pentecost window, designed by the Carmelite Sisters of Le Mans, France, and painted by Eugène Hucher and associates.
Originally published by Carol C. Bradley at today.nd.edu on Aug. 1, 2013.
Originally published by at today.nd.edu on August 01, 2013.