Sacred Heart Cathedral is one of the more fascinating church buildings, situated near the Gole Post Office, in
Central Delhi District,
Delhi. Built around 1800, this magnificent brick structure features two huge towers which can be seen all around the city.
The Sacred Heart Cathedral was designed and executed by Henry Med, a collaborator of Sir Edwin Lutyens. There are six shrines consecrated to Mary situated in and around the cathedral. The first shrine is a five foot high statue of Mary wrapped in traditional Indian Saree. The second shrine, depicted in the form of an icon, presents Mary with an Indian woman's face surrounded by beautiful angels in a golden frame and illuminated by small red lights. The third shrine, the Marian shrine, is a simple European style statue of Mary holding baby Jesus, with a hand extended to offer grace in to the world.
The other three shrines to Mary form a circle around a visitor, so that in whatever direction one looks, Mary is present. Situated in the rear of the chapel is a two foot high Fatima style Portuguese idol, depicting Mary embellished in the clothing of an Indian woman, with rose pedals and lit candles at her feet. There is a five foot tall wooded statue of Mary, carrying a cross and a crown of thorns, offering a rose as a peace gesture to the world. The last shrine to Mary is situated outside and to the right of the main building.
Easter and Christmas are celebrated at the Cathedral with much pomp and splendor. The crib, a custom introduced by St Francis of Assisi is the major part of the Celebration. During Christmas, the Feast of the Holy Family of Nazareth is celebrated with great passion.
