Visit to the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart

Newark is oozing with charm and elegance. Newark’s history goes back to the middle of the seventeenth century, making it the third-oldest city in the USA. Residents also call it “Brick City”; it is a lively, active city with numerous activities, superb lodgings, and fine dining. Newark is open for guests since 1670. It has something for everyone. Check the best places to visit in Newark and plan your fun trip accordingly. Multicultural Newark boasts top-class museums, fine arts, sports arenas, fantastic festivals, musical events, diverse dance performances, historical attractions, and tax-free shopping areas. NJPAC (New Jersey Performing Arts Center) is an elegant and exciting venue with piano concert, dance performances or comedy shows. You may enjoy the Cherry Blossom Festival in the spring, which is fascinating to see.

French Gothic Revival architecture can be found in the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart. During Christmas, there are numerous candles lit inside, which is a breathtaking view.

The Branch Brook Park, Newark Symphony Hall, Newark Public Library, Newark Museum of Art and St. Lucy’s Church, any of these attractions will make you see the natural heart and soul of New Jersey.

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The Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart:

The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Newark is housed in the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart, which is located at 89 Ridge Street, the highest point in Newark, close to Branch Brook Park. On Saturdays, visitors are welcome to attend; while entrance to the church is free, Catholics are admitted free of charge.  The land was purchased in 1871 for $60,000 and it took probably 55 years to construct it. The construction began in 1899 and was completed in 1954. Most of the money was accumulated through big donations and church collections throughout the Archdiocese.

The title of “Sacred Heart” admires Jesus Christ’s fondness for mankind. He made the human face of God’s love present in Galilee. The same love extended out to us here and now. Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart comforts you in your prayer and to strengthen your faith, hope and compassion. The Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart is the exceptional instance of French Gothic architecture in the Western Hemisphere. This church, which is more than 45000 square feet in dimensions, is North America’s fifth-largest cathedral. It is not essential to be spiritual to visit and enjoy the splendor of this church. The skilled craftsmen and the best materials from the entire world were used to develop the magnificent patterns of the church’s interior. People fascinated by the history and architecture go to this cathedral solely to see the magnificence it emits.

Architecture and design of Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart:

Twin towers Gesu and Mater Dolorosa:

The twin towers known as Gesu and Mater Dolorosa are 232 feet tall and made of Massachusetts white granite. The notion to rotate them at a 45-degree angle, rather than flush with the facade, came from Rouen, France, but it was never put into action. It is similar to hands extending out to greet someone. A copper fleche erects even higher to 260 feet, where the nave and the transept intersect.

The front doors:

The front bronze doors that remind of the bronze doors in Florence and were designed by Gonippo Raggi & Sons were manufactured in Rome by Aurelio Mistruzzi, who worked under the four popes. 

After walking through the front door you see an entry hall called the narthex. Mostly they are one but Sacred Heart’s is stunning because it has an irregular hexagon shape because of the towers being at angles to the building. If you turn around you will see a beautiful tympanum over the central door. It displays the Virgin and Child with angels on both sides.

Main Altar:

The Basilica is home to various shrines. The main altar displays a statue of Christ on a marble pedestal. The side chapel displays a mosaic of the Sacred Heart on the roof. The pediment is open on three sides. A small entrance Hall is situated behind the main Altar. The Lady Chapel is behind the main altar. The archeological office of Basilica is the most famous spot to visit. 

The Sacred Heart Cathedral showcases a stunning choir that stretches twelve and a half feet above the floor. The choir is detached from the nave by a low stone railing. The railing is made of gold. The organ has 154 ranks of playable ranks. The main altar is decorated with mosaics. The pediment is a masterpiece of stained glass.

Last stage Construction:

In 1918 construction moved at a stable speed to allow the completion of the steel-slated roof in November in 1919. The granite tympanum canopies and medallions were completed and windows were completed by July, 1924. Since the construction started the building was finally insulated. The carving of the medallions ‘spiritual scenes and bishops’ took place under the guidance of Rochette and Parzini. The dedication was delayed because of the fight over the type of limestone used and many detentions in construction. In August 1927 the general work resumed and ended after few months later with the installation of an Italian Botticino-marble altar bought from Benziger Brohters of New York City. After 95 years of hard work, Thomas Aloysius Boland Archbishop of Newark finally dedicated the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in 1954.

Visit by Pope John Paul II and Cathedral’s elevation to Basilica:

John Paul II’s celebrated evening prayer at the cathedral during his visit to United States in 1995. At this time, the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart was lifted to a minor Basilica to become the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart.

Things to do near Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart:

• The Newark Museum of Art
• New Jersey Performing Arts Center
• Empire State Building
• Ironbound

Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart nearby restaurants:

• Spanish Tavern
• Fornos of Spain
• Ruby Tuesday
• Mompou Tapas

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