Architectural History

The Church’s interior and design and decor evolved between 1898 and the 1960s, reflecting the trends of the times, and since then has remained mostly static. The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is a shining example of Romanesque architectural style.  The round arches, barrel vaulted ceiling and the pillared triforium define this style. Many of the existing elements in the current state of the Basilica of the Sacred Heart do follow the Romanesque style in subject matter, however the style in which they are currently painted is more modern. The vision for the redecoration of our church was developed after much prayer, contemplation and reflection. As we complete the 125th Anniversary of the Dedication of our church, we remember all who have come before us and their many efforts to make our church a place for “worthy Worship.” Now we look toward the 150th anniversary of the founding of our parish in 2030, where we hope to recapture and respect the building’s original architectural intent and maintain the prayerful and inviting warmth of our sacred space.

Marist Chapel of St. Peter Chanel

The Crucifix

Built of Living Stones reminds us well that “the cross with the image of Christ crucified is a reminder of Christ’s paschal mystery. It draws us into the mystery of suffering and makes tangible our belief that our suffering, when united with the passion and death of Christ, leads to redemption.”

The same USCCB document then goes on to delineate the options we are given for how to do this within our sanctuaries: 1. A crucifix may be placed upon the altar. 2. A crucifix may be suspended over the altar. 3. A crucifix may be affixed to one of the sanctuary walls. 4. A processional cross of sufficient size may be placed in a stand within the sanctuary following the procession. (Side note – If one of the first three options is adopted, the processional cross must be placed out of view following the procession.)

Discussions have been taking place about which of the above four options for a crucifix in our sanctuary would proportionally interact best with our new altar, ambo, presider’s chair, and tabernacle stand. The discussions have led us to land on option 3: affixed to the wall above the tabernacle.

The Triumphal Arch stands as a testament to the rich architectural and artistic heritage of our Basilica. The painting style, reminiscent of the period from 1917 to 1940, brings to life the grandeur and solemnity of this sacred structure. The vibrant colors and intricate details reflect the artistic movements of the early 20th century, capturing the essence of both the spiritual and cultural zeitgeist. This era’s influence is evident in the meticulous brushwork and the harmonious blend of classical and modern elements, creating a visual symphony that honors our past while inspiring future generations.text in the module Advanced settings.

The Sanctuary Dome radiates a golden glow, symbolizing Heaven. At its center, Christ stands on the earth as Salvator Mundi, (Savior of the World) surrounded by angels in adoration.

The ceiling of the sanctuary shows the Holy Spirit descending from Heaven, surrounded by stars and crosses on a rich field of blue, reminiscent of the mausoleum of Galla Placidia in Ravenna, Italy.

This celestial scene invites reflection and reverence, drawing the faithful into a deeper connection with the divine.

Hand-Painted Interior Finishes

Discover the artistry behind the meticulously crafted faux stone blocks, columns, and figural murals, all of which will be hand-painted to perfection by skilled Conrad Schmitt Studio, Inc. artists. The journey of creating figural murals begins with talented Mural Designers. Each mural is meticulously designed to capture the essence and grandeur of the intended space. CSS designers pour their creativity and expertise into every sketch, ensuring that the final piece will be a true work of art. Stencils are indispensable tools in the creation of intricate design work at CSS. These tools allow CSS artists to achieve a level of detail and precision that would be difficult to replicate freehand. Each stencil is carefully crafted to match the design rendering, ensuring consistency and accuracy in the final product.

Using a combination of stencils and freehand techniques, CSS artists will meticulously apply layers of paint to create the illusion of real stone. Each faux grout line is hand-painted, adding to the authenticity and detail of the finish.

The totality of the colors and finishes are specifically designed to accentuate the numerous architectural details within the Basilica, which will actually make the space appear larger.