Basilica gets new look for new year
By SCOTT HARDY
News Writer
With the installation of new carpet and a marble floor around the altar, the Basilica of the Sacred Heart is beginning 2000 in style.
Wear and tear resulting from 207,000 visitors last year coupled with a lack of replacement pieces to patch stained areas necessitated the replacement of the carpet. Installing new carpet involved the removal of all the pews from the Basilica. It was necessary to map out the exact location of each pew before removal.
The installation of the marble floor areas was made possible by a donation to the Basilica. The marble floor is accented by a golden seal of the Congregation of Holy Cross, located front and center on the altar area. This is the spot where seminarians profess their vows, and where they lie prostrate when they are ordained to the priesthood. The carpet was furnished by the University.
"We're very excited about all of the improvements to the Basilica. It has been wonderful to be able to make these changes," commented Father Peter Rocca, rector of the Basilica.
Another notable change in the Basilica is the removal of the Laetare Medal and commemorative book once located in one of the apsidal chapels behind the main altar. These items were relocated to the main building and were replaced by an image of Our Lady of Guadalupe. An altar was brought in and the chapel was rededicated to her on Dec. 10.
Adela Penagos, multicultural coordinator for the Office of Multicultural Affairs noted that "for the Latin community, this image [Our Lady of Guadalupe] is very important. It makes Latin people feel more a part of the University community. It is also appropriate because the Holy Father has named Our Lady of Guadalupe as `Patroness of the Americas.'"
Improvement is also planned for the transfer of the baptismal font from one of the rear chapels to a new location near the Basilica entrance. This is the original Basilica font, most likely used by Father Edward Sorin to celebrate the sacrament.
The entrance area has been widened to accommodate the font, which will be flanked on one side by the paschal candle and on the other side by a repository for the holy oils.
"The norms of the Second Vatican Council suggest that the font be located near the entrance to the church," Rocca explained, "for it is through baptism that we enter the Church."
Work to refurbish the Basilica museum is also nearly completed. New paint and display highlighted this project. Finer cases with better lighting were installed, "but the real goal of this part of the project was to improve the flow of visitors through the museum during peak times," Rocca explained.
University sacristan Brother Dennis Meyers said more changes will be implemented.
All News Stories for Friday, February 4, 2000
