Introduction
The Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Grenoble, France, is a Catholic religious building dependent on the diocese of Grenoble-Vienne. Built from 1922 in a Romanesque-Byzantine style, it was consecrated in 1943 despite being unfinished. Located at Place du Doyen-Gosse for its historic entrance and at 4 rue Émile-Gueymard for its new entrance opposite the SNCF train station, the basilica is notable for its present altar, the only ancient element, which likely originates from the priory of Saint-Martin de Misèré founded by Hugues de Grenoble around 1100. An extensive renovation and extension project was carried out from October 2013 to early 2016.
The Parish of the Sacred Heart was founded in 1911 by Bishop Paul -Émile Henry , Bishop of Grenoble , to serve the Grenoble train station district . In 1918, Bishop Alexandre Caillot expressed the wish to build a church dedicated to the Sacred Heart , followed by the blessing of the first stone. Based on plans drawn up by the first priest, Father Joseph Viallet (1873–1918), son of Mayor Félix Viallet , the church was built by his successor Father Parisot (1872–1955) from 1922. In 1939 and 1940, a crypt was built behind the choir, in which the three founders, Bishop Caillot and the two Fathers Viallet and Parisot, rest. The present altar is the only ancient element of the basilica, probably coming from the priory of Saint-Martin de Miséré founded by Hugues de Grenoble around 1100.
Although unfinished, the basilica was consecrated in 1943 by Bishop Alexandre Caillot . The latter commissioned the sculptor Émile Gilioli to create a Christ on the cross in white stone and place it in the centre of the choir. The building was elevated to a minor basilica by Pope Pius XII in 1952. But in 1969, work stopped, leaving the basilica in a state of unfinished business and the planned 75-metre-high bell tower was never built.
A vast renovation and expansion project worth 11 million euros, began in October 2013 and was completed in early 2016 thanks to the work of architect Pierre Douillet and Arcabas. The Chapel of Confidence built in 1923 and annexed to the basilica was renovated, large bay windows allow visitors to see the 130 seats in this chapel. The first major celebration in the renovated basilica was the Chrism Mass on March 22, 2016, before the official inauguration on May 3, 2016 by Bishop Guy de Kérimel . Its capacity was increased to 1,499 seats, thanks to the reopening of the loggias and the gallery.
Architectural Style: Romanesque-Byzantine style.
Basilique du Sacre Coeur is a quaint church built in the 20th century. Decked up with an inviting interior decor, marvelous stone sculptures and beautiful paintings by well-known religious painter Mary Israel, the church is a sight to cherish. Besides its architectural brilliance, the Basilique du Sacre . Coeur is also visited for its regular prayers and choral music concerts.
Diocesan Space
In September 2016, a diocesan space opened next to the basilica opposite the forecourt of Grenoble train station , where around 50,000 people pass through every day 6 . This reception and listening space, which is part of a vast 5,000 m2 real estate complex including a training restaurant entrusted to the Fondation des Apprentis d’Auteuil , is run by nearly 150 volunteers.
Within this diocesan space, there is also a place specially designed for families, Pause Familles, whose aim is to take care of the family in all its forms (couple, parents, father, mother, man, woman, children, adolescents) by paying particular attention to the emotional and relational dimension. With three meeting rooms on the second floor, the basilica and its spaces regularly host exhibitions, concerts and meetings. In addition, a 122-seat auditorium, which can be adjusted from 30 to 70 seats, is available on the ground floor.
A Stunning Interior
The Choir of the basilica, whose marble flooring is original, can accommodate 150 to 200 seats. It represents about a third of the 60 meters of the basilica. The height is 25 meters. The altar composed of a large monolithic slab is of extreme simplicity, without sculptures or decorations.
Stained Glass Windows
In March 2016, the first six stained glass windows of a set of twenty-four monumental stained glass windows designed by the artist Arcabas and having the theme of Creation were inaugurated in the basilica 5, . These stained glass windows each measure 6.50 m high and 2 m wide, and were made by the Atelier Berthier-Bessac located near the basilica. Six other stained glass windows were installed in November 2016 and a fundraising campaign was launched in 2017 to finance the last twelve stained glass windows. The artist Arcabas who designed the last twelve stained glass windows just before his death in August 2018 will not be able to see them installed since the installation work in the basilica will take place in July 2019 for six of them and the following October for the last six .
Choirs and Orchestras
A choir and an orchestra exist at the Basilica to enliven Sunday masses and major celebrations.
Grenoble Gospel Institute will be in Concert Event for the 30th anniversary of the majestic Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Grenoble on October 6 and 7, 2023 at 8 p.m. This group was created in 1993. The gospel school has since trained more than 5,000 people, musicians, singers, groups, speakers including the founder Franklin Akoa Mva.
In 2018, there was a small children’s choir that set out to record a booklet of two CDs of sacred music and songs, composed and played by the musician Michel Penhard, author, composer, and performer of religious songs.
Organs
The Small 8-stop positive organ was built in 1965 by organ builder Athanase Dunand , composition according to the national organ inventory.
Feast Day
Feast day: 27th June
The Annual feast day of Basilica of the Sacred Heart, Gronoble, France, is celebrated on June 27 each year.
Church Mass Timing
Monday : 6:30 pm
Tuesday : 7 am, 12:15 pm
Wednesday : 7 am, 12:15 pm
Thursday : 7 am, 12:15 pm
Friday : 7 am, 12:15 pm
Saturday : 12:15 pm
Sunday : 10.00am, 10.30am
Church Opening Time:
Monday : 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Tuesday : 7:00 am – 6:00 pm
Wednesday : 7:00 am – 6:00 pm
Thursday : 7:00 am – 6:00 pm
Friday : 7:00 am – 6:00 pm
Saturday : 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Sunday : 10:00 am – 12:30 pm
Contact Info
Address :
3 Pl. Doyen Gosse, 38000 Grenoble, France.
Phone : +33438038430
Accommodations
Connectivities
Airway
Grenoble (GNB) Airport to the Church of Basilique du Sacré-Cœur de Grenoble distance between 31 min (44.0 km) via A48 and D119 .
Railway
Grenoble Station to the Church of Basilique du Sacré-Cœur de Grenoble distance between 1 min (210.0 m) via Rue Jean Macé and Rue de l’Isère.
