About Sacred Heart Basilica India in 132, Subbiah Salai,, Pondicherry

In the year 1895, the then Archbishop Mgr. Gandhi consecrated the Archdiocese of Pondicherry to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Rev.Fr. Telesphore Welter, the parish priest of Nellithope had prepared the building plan and the parish priest of Cathedral Rev.Fr. Fourcaud commenced the construction of the new Church in 1902 at the Southern side of the Pondicherry Town. The blessing of the Church and the first mass was held at the western wing of the present Church by Mgr. Gandhi on 17-12-1907 and the new parish surrounding this Church has been established on 27-01-1908. This 100 years old historical Church is 50mts. Long, 48mts. Wide and 18mts. high, with Latin rite cross shape in aerial view which is in Gothic style. 24 main columns hold the structure in which we see the biblical words on entrance written in Latin “I have consecrated this house that My Name may be there forever. My eyes and my heart will be there forever”, which reveals the presence of the Sacred Heart of Lord Jesus Christ. Also the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Mother Mary carved in the entrance door, welcome us. Inside the church we can see Glass pictures of 28 saints who were related to the devotion of Sacred Heart of Jesus. This 100 year old Church has been led by twenty Parish Priests. The Grotto for Our Lady of Lourdes, Parish Hall, Adoration Chapel and the new parish community hall were some of the developments of this church in the last 50 years. After 2005, that is after the arrival of the present Parish Priest Rev.Fr. A.Thomas, the church has been fully renovated both in and out. Statues for the four Evangelists has been erected beneath which four lamp posts describing the life of the four Evangelists and the inviting Jesus and the twelve apostles on the front façade have also been erected. The Grotto for Sacred Heart of Jesus facing the City Railway Station and the kudil are the new additions and the Church has been illuminated in and out with chandeliers, focus and flood lights. Above all the grace of Jesus Christ is being taken to each and every house all along the Pondicherry City and its surroundings through the “Anboli TV Channel” which is the gift of Jesus Christ during the Centenary year. Both the Idaya Anboli, the monthly bulletin of the parish and the “Anboli TV” are beacons of faith communication to one and all of Puducherry people. www.anbolitv.org After 2005, that is after the arrival of the present Parish Priest Rev.Fr. A.Thomas, the church has been fully renovated both in and out. Statues for the four Evangelists has been erected beneath which four lamp posts describing the life of the four Evangelists and the inviting Jesus and the twelve apostles on the front façade have also been erected. The Grotto for Sacred Heart of Jesus facing the City Railway Station and the kudil are the new additions and the Church has been illuminated in and out with chandeliers, focus and flood lights.

Above all the grace of Jesus Christ is being taken to each and every house all along the Pondicherry City and its surroundings through the "Anboli TV Channel" which is the gift of Jesus Christ during the Centenary year. Both the Idaya Anboli the montly bulletin of the Parish and the "ANBOLI TV" are beacons of faith communication to one and all of Puducherry people.

His Eminence SALVATORE PENNACCHIO, The Apostolic Nuncio, India dedicates this BASILICA on 02-09-2011 in the presence of the Archbishop Most.Rev.Dr.Antony Anandarayar