On Friday, Aug. 16, the University of Notre Dame will celebrate 125 years of prayer and worship at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart.
The Most Reverend Daniel R. Jenky, C.S.C., bishop of Peoria, Ill., will preside at a special 4 p.m. Mass that will also feature music from alumni of the Notre Dame Liturgical Choir. A reception in the Rotunda will follow. All are welcome to attend.
The Basilica serves as the oldest and principal church of the Congregation of Holy Cross in the United States and as the cornerstone of liturgical life at Notre Dame. The Mass and reception will commemorate the consecration of the Basilica by the Most Reverend Joseph G. Dwenger, bishop of Fort Wayne, Ind., on Aug. 15, 1888.
“The Basilica is central to the life and mission of Notre Dame,” said Basilica Rector Rev. Peter Rocca, C.S.C. “It is a place of worship for students, faculty, staff, alumni, pilgrims, community members and countless visitors. It is also a place of new beginnings, a place of confirmation, a place of love and a place where the deceased are commended to God. The Basilica helps us to experience the splendor of God’s glory at Our Lady’s University and we couldn’t be happier about celebrating this milestone with both the Notre Dame and South Bend communities.”
In celebration of the anniversary, FaithND (an online prayer ministry of the Notre Dame Alumni Association) compiled reflections on some of the meaningful sacramental moments in the church. Read the reflections on the FaithND website.
For those unable to attend the Aug. 16 Mass, please visit the Basilica’s website live stream of Masses online.
The Basilica is open to the public year round from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. when school is in session and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. during holiday breaks or when school is not in session. Visitors are invited to come inside and pray or take a self-guided tour. Tour guides are also available to answer questions.
Mass in the Basilica is celebrated twice daily while the University is in session and once daily during breaks. Each weekend there are three Sunday Masses celebrated for students, faculty, staff and community members. For more information about the Basilica and the Mass schedule, please visit the Basilica’s website.
