Basilique du Sacré Coeur

A Bit of History

After the Franco-Prussian War of 1870, it was proposed to construct a church to the Sacred Heart on the butte Montmartre. Although originally the fund raising was by public subscription, in 1873, the National Assembly declared its construction to be a state undertaking. Of the 78 entries in the competition for its design, the one chosen was by the architect named Abadie. He was already well known for his restoration of the St-Front Cathedral in Périgueux.

The plans for the new basilica called for an edifice of Romano-Byzantine style, and the first stone was laid in 1875. Abadie himself died in 1884 with only the foundation having been completed.

Completed in 1914, it was not consecrated until 1919 after World War I had ended. The final cost was 40 million francs. Since 1885, there has been perpetual adoration and worship within.

The interior of the church contains one of the worlds largest mosaics, and depicts Christ with outstretched arms. The nearby bell tower contains the ``Savoyarde''. Cast in Annecy in 1895, it is one of the worlds heaviest at 19 tons.

Notes

From the top of the Dome, there is a panoramic view in all directions extending over 30 kilometers.

(From a small brochure available free in the Basilica:)

Montmartre
Revered scene where the first martyrs of Paris met their death, and site of a famous abby of Benedictine nuns, visited by Saint Bernard, Saint Joan of Arc, Saint Ignatius Loyola, Saint Francis Xavier, Berulle (found of the Oratorians) and Olier.

The Basilica of the Sacred Heart
This Basilica, in Romano-Byzantine style, was build, as the mosaic above the choir reminds us, to accomplish a vow made in consequence of the extreme need of France and of the Church in 1870. Despite the obstacles encountered by the builders, work was brought to asuccessful conclusion thanks to a law passed by the National Assembly and above all to the countless humble offerings sent from all over France. Saint Theresa of the Infant Jesus, Father de Foucauld, the poet Max Jacob, the painter Utrillo, Pius XII, John XXIII often prayed here, as well as the ordinary people, in times of distress : 1914, 1940, Budapest, Algeria. John Paul II came in 1980.

Perpetual Adoration
Above the high alter a monstrance containing the bread which has become the body of Christ through the mass, has been solemny exposed since 1885 for the uninterrupted adoration during the night as during the day. Those who take part in this prayer of adoration are the link between Christ and the people of their social sphere, of their country and of the entire world which the far-reaching view the avis enables them better to recall to mind.

Every Sunday : 11 am High mass with the Little Singers of Montmartre - 6 pm and 10:15 pm Last masses. Every Friday : 3 pm biblical meditation sung in French. Chaplain at the disposal of all to the right of the entrance.