The current edifice was preceded by a smaller structure erected in 1848 by Father Edward Sorin, CSC. The previous church had two spires, but was small and could not sustain the growth of the student body.
In 1868, Sorin ambitiously began the Gothic structure that you now see standing just west of the Main Building. The church took more than 20 years to complete, but when it was finished, Notre Dame had a lofty spire next to its new Golden Dome. Then as now, they form a powerful pair of symbols - the Dome signifying the university's academic mission and the spire proclaiming its faith. The current neo-gothic church was begun in 1870 and consecrated by Bishop Joseph Gregory Dwenger on August 15, 1888. The final bell, which is one of the grandest in the United States, was blessed in 1888 during Father Sorin's golden jubilee.
Historically as well as religiously, Sacred Heart occupies an inimitable place, witnessing the funerals of Sorin, Rockne, and sculptor Ivan Mestrovic; the prayers of an Italian cardinal who would become Pope Pius XII; untold numbers of baptisms, weddings, communions, and ordinations; and the tens of thousands of visitors who come every year to experience the beauty and holiness of this place.
In 1968, the church was renovated with the intention of bringing it in line with the liturgical reform of the Second Vatican Council, although some claim that renovations of this type were not mandated by the Council. On January 17, 1992, Pope John Paul II raised the Church of the Sacred Heart to the status of basilica. This is a rare honor, for only about 40 churches in the United States have been accorded basilica status.
The Basilica is used primarily to fulfill the spiritual needs of the Holy Cross community and Notre Dame's students, but it also serves as the home of a local congregation, Sacred Heart Parish. Under the direction of the Campus Ministry, the University has the primary use of the main church, while the members of Sacred Heart Parish worship in the historic Crypt in the Basilica's basement.
The basilica is the main liturgical center for the university community. Mass is held twice daily while the university is in session and once daily during breaks. Each weekend there are three Sunday masses celebrated for students, faculty, and community members. The basilica is a popular place for weddings of Notre Dame alumni, hosting several weddings on each Saturday in which there is not a home football game. The basilica has also been the site of final professions and ordination masses for the Congregation of Holy Cross, as well as funerals for the religious community and for alumni.
Ceiling and frescoes
The ceiling and the murals were completed over a 17-year period by the Vatican painter Luigi Gregori, artist in-residence at the University. Blue and gold, which are traditionally associated with Mary, are the predominant colors, and given the profusion of stars and angels that adorn the ceiling, the effect is heavenly. Scholars have intensely studied these treasures, and numerous books and papers have been written about their religious scenes and symbolism.Windows
The stained-glass windows were designed by Carmelite nuns in Le Mans, France. Comparable stained-glass windows in European churches were all destroyed during World Wars I and II, thus elevating the value of these windows. The Basilica features 116 windows with more than 1,200 individual panels, featuring dozens of saints, apostles, theologians, and biblical scenes.Gothic Altar
The Main Altar, made in Paris, represents New Jerusalem with turrets, battlements, gates, walls, and doors. It contains a beautiful spire and the Lamb of God. It is thought that the third altar was made by students of Baroque master Giovanni Bernini.The "pelican at her piety" is displayed on its base is an image commonly used to represent Christ in artwork.Steeple
The basilica bell tower is 218 feet (66 m) high, making it the tallest University chapel in America. It has 23 bells.God, Country, Notre Dame
Above the East Door of the Basilica of the Sacred Heart is inscribed the famous "God, Country, Notre Dame" to honor Notre Dame students who lost their lives in WWI. The statues flanking the doorway were designed by art professor Rev. John Bednar, C.S.C. They represent two defenders of the faith: Joan of Arc, patron saint of France, and Michael the Archangel, patron saint of soldiers. Just inside the doorway sits a light fixture made from an army helmet worn by Rev. Charles O'Donnell, C.S.C., who served as a chaplain during World War I and later became president of Notre Dame.Lady Chapel
Behind the main altar stands the lady Chapel, dedicated to our mother. The altar in this chapel is said to come from the school of Bernini in Rome. Gregori's Exaltation of the Holy Cross decorates the ceiling of the Lady Chapel, while the murals of the east and west transepts celebrate the life of Mary. In the sanctuary, the ceiling above the altar portrays the Hebrew leaders Isaiah (scroll), David (harp), Jeremiah (scroll) and Moses (tablet) from the Old Testament, plus the evangelists Matthew (angel), John (eagle), Luke (ox), and Mark (lion) from the New Testament.A Lady Chapel dedicated to Mary is often seen in European Gothic cathedrals, as well as St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York. The Lady Chapel was completed in 1888 for the fiftieth anniversary of Fr. Sorin's ordination. This chapel is now often used for small weddings and funerals.
The Pieta by Ivan Meštrović
Ivan Meštrović was a Croatian sculptor and architect. He is renowned as one of the greatest sculptors of the 20th century. Persecuted by both Nazi and Communists during WW2, Fr. Hesburgh invited him to be the artist in residence at Notre Dame.
The sculptor did the sketches for this magnificent pieta while he was a political prisoner of the Nazis and completed the sculpture in 1946. Made from white Carrara marble, the sculptor designed the sketches for this compelling work while he was taken as a political prisoner of the Nazis. One can see Joseph of Arimathea supporting Christ's body while the Blessed Mother and Mary Magdalene grieve. The pieta was displayed at the New York Metropolitan Museum of Art before coming to Sacred Heart in 1955.