He wished to build a new Church in devotion to Sacred Heart of Jesus. Telesphore Welter, the Parish Priest of Nellithope had prepared the building plan and the Parish Priest of Cathedral Rev. 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 Holy mass was held at the western wing of the present Churc
h by Mgr. Gandhi on 17-12-1907 and the new parish surrounding this Church had been established on 27-01-1908. This Historical BASILICA is 50mts. long, 48mts. wide and 18mts. high with Latin rite cross shape in aerial view is in Gothic style. 24 main columns hold the structure in which we see the bibilical word at the entrance written in Latin “ I have consecrated this house, that my name may be there forever. My eye and My heart will be there forever.” which reveals the presence of the Sacred Heart of our Lord Jesus Christ. Also the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mother Mary carved at the entrance door welcome us. Inside the Church we can see Glass pictures of 28 saints who were related to the devotion to Sacred Heart of Jesus. This BASILICA has been led by twenty Parish Priests. The Grotto for Our Lady of Lourdes, Parish Hall, Adoration Chapel and the new Parish Community Hall are some of the developments of this Church in the last 50years. After 2005, that is after the arrival of the Parish Priest Very Rev. Thomas, the Church has been fully renovated both in and out. Statues for the four Evangelists have been erected beneath which four lamp posts describing the life of the four Evangelists and inviting Jesus and the twelve apostles on the front façade have also been erected. The Grotto for Scared 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 of Pondicherry town and its surrounding through the “ ANBOLI TV CHANNEL ” which is the gift of Jesus Christ. Both the Idhaya Anboli, the monthly bulletin of the Parish and the “ ANBOLI TV ” are the beacons of faith communication to one and all of Pondicherry people. His Eminence SALVATORE PENNACCHIO, the Apostolic Nuncio, India, dedicated this BASILICA on 02-09-2011 in the presence of Most. Dr. Antony Anandarayar, the Archbishop of Pondicherry.
