| Sacred Heart Cathedral | |
Sacred Heart Cathedral
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| Location | New Delhi |
|---|---|
| Country | India |
| Denomination | Roman Catholic Church |
| Website | [1] |
| Architecture | |
| Status | Cathedral |
| Functional status | Active |
| Architect(s) | Henry Medd |
| Administration | |
| Diocese | Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Delhi |
| Clergy | |
| Archbishop | Vincent M. Concessao |
The Cathedral Of The Sacred Heart is a Roman Catholic cathedral and one of the oldest church buildings in Delhi, India. Together with the schools of St. Columbia's, and the Convent of Jesus and Mary, it occupies a total area of 14 acres near the south end of Bhai vir singh Marg Road in Connaught Place.[1] Christian religious services are held throughout the year.
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Father Luke, a member of the Franciscan first order, founded by St. Francis of Assisi, took the initiative to build the church, and the Archbishop of Agra in 1929 Rev. Dr. E.Vanni laid the foundation stone in 1929 and construction began in 1930. Sir Anthony de Mello donated the main Altar of the Church, which is made of pure marble. The Archbishop of Agra presented a bell, vestments and altar furniture. The project was financed by the colonial officers of the British Empire.[2]
The church building was designed by British architect Henry Medd, and is based on Italian architecture. A facade of white pillars supports the canopy, and on each side of the cathedral's entrance porch, there are circular arcaded turrets rising above the roof. The interior has a towering curved roof, polished stone floors and broad arches.[3]
The Cathedral organizes functions on certain days of the year. Prayers are held in the morning and evening every day. The major ceremonies held at the Cathedral are Easter and Christmas. The most important of the festivities during Christmas is the Feast of the Holy Family of Nazareth and the Christmas Vigil Service an hour before midnight Christmas Eve. Various cultural and social programs are also organized throughout the year. [4]