5 Shrines in the U.S. Dedicated to the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus
When I looked up the 2024 June feast days, I could not believe how many big ones there are, including Corpus Christi, Saints Peter and Paul (more on them later this month!), and the Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus.
Let's talk about the latter of the three.
The Feast of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus is celebrated each year on the Friday after the Solemnity of Corpus Christi (about 19 days after Pentecost). It's an important day for Catholics because it commemorates the deep and boundless love that Jesus has for all of us, His children.
To commemorate this special day - and the love that Christ has for us - here is a round-up of places around the country that are dedicated to the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus:
Shrine of the Sacred Heart
Address: 3211 Sacred Heart Way NW, Washington, DC 20010
Phone Number: (202) 234-8000
Website: sacredheartdc.org
The Shrine of the Sacred Heart in Washington, D.C., boasts a legacy marked by significant milestones over the past century. As the first Roman Catholic parish in the Columbia Heights/Mt. Pleasant area, it made a notable impact when it established the first elementary school in 1930, welcoming students of all faiths across the city.
Sacred Heart also pioneered the "Walk with Mary," an annual procession celebrating Our Lady of Guadalupe that became a beloved event across the Archdiocese. As a diverse and inclusive parish, the Shrine of the Sacred Heart has long embraced people from all backgrounds, inviting them to unite in prayer and worship as one faith community.
Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish
Address: 1530 Union, Indianapolis, IN 46225
Phone Number: (317) 638-5551
Website: sacredheartindy.com
A marble statue of the same name is located at the Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish, depicting Jesus standing with his arms outstretched at his sides. The Franciscans initially acquired the Sacred Heart of Jesus sculpture in the early 1960s for the Alverna Retreat House in Indianapolis. When the retreat house closed in the early 1990s, the statue found a new home at Sacred Heart Church, where it was rededicated.
Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus
Phone Number: (865) 588-0249
Website: shcathedral.org
Serving as the seat of the Catholic Diocese of Knoxville, the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus has served the Tennessee community since 1956. Despite its rich history, the current Cathedral is somewhat new, with the present church completed in 2018.
When you visit today, you will find many incredible features that make the Cathedral so special, beginning with the original tabernacle, large and jaw-dropping Baldacchino, and piece de resistance: the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore-inspired dome. Trust us: You will want to see all these ornate features for yourself!
Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
Address: 353 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30308
Phone Number: (404) 522-6800
Website: sacredheartatlanta.org
The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in Atlanta has served the community since 1898. Originally established in 1880 as the parish of Saints Peter and Paul, it transitioned to its current name when the Marist Fathers took over in 1897 and built the new church. It flourished under the Marists, becoming one of their largest parishes by 1917, before being handed back to the Archdiocese of Atlanta in the 1960s.
Despite concerns about potential closure due to urban decline, the Basilica continued to thrive and attract congregants, notably hosting Mother Teresa at a Mass in 1995. It was recognized as a minor basilica in 2010 and had a vibrant community of around 1,300 families. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1976, the Basilica stands as one of the few structures from the early 20th century still standing in Atlanta.
Basilica of the Sacred Heart
Address: 101 Basilica Drive, Notre Dame, IN 46556
Phone Number: (574) 631-7329
Website: basilica.nd.edu
The Basilica of the Sacred Heart, located at the University of Notre Dame, was consecrated on August 15, 1888, and elevated to a Minor Basilica on January 17, 1992. This Neo-Gothic marvel houses the world's most extensive 19th-century French stained glass collection and North America's oldest carillon. The Basilica was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1978.
As the University Church, it serves the spiritual needs of the Notre Dame community, including students, faculty, staff, and the broader South Bend area. The Basilica hosts daily Mass, confessions, weddings, funerals, and baptisms. It also serves as a venue for the Congregation of Holy Cross's Profession of Perpetual Vows and Presbyteral Ordinations. Visitors are welcome for private prayer and touring.
I hope this list of shrines dedicated to the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus leaves you feeling inspired to travel! While you may not be close to one of these particular locations, you may be able to find a Sacred Heart parish that is close to you. God bless.