The famous sanctuary 140 years of perpetual worship

140 years that we come to love without interruption. The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Montmartre is celebrating this Friday, August 1, while nine days of prayer are completed by the sanctuary to prepare this anniversary.

Different proposals, including a solemn mass presided over by the apostolic nonce Christophe Pierre, and during which it will be possible to obtain a plenary indulgence, are planned today.

A tradition born with the basilica

The construction of the basilica was decided in 1871, the day after France’s defeat in the face of Prussia, to consecrate France to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and implore its mercy. While the walls of the basilica began just out of the ground, from 1875, the faithful came to pray in a small chapel close to the site, where the Blessed Sacrament is punctually exposed. “The prayer of Christians has raised itself as the basilica rises,” poetizes the Father Eclef.

From August 1, 1885, the Eucharist was permanently exposed in this chapel, the basilica not yet completed. Since then, faithful take turns day and night to pray in front of the Blessed Sacrament. “The practice of Eucharistic worship was born in the 13th century, then fell into disuse around the years of the Vatican Council II” specifies the Esclef Father, “John Paul II and Benoît XVI started a revival. In his encyclical Dilexit Nos, Pope Francis makes the parallel between worship and the heart of Christ opened on the world.”

A practice for the present time

On the faithful side, we also appreciate the particular meditation offered by the basilica, especially at night. “I went to spend the night several times in Montmartre, to enjoy worship,” says Laure, 27, a teacher in Paris. “In general, I really like worship, which is a moment from heart to heart, and of great peace with Jesus. We don’t say anything, we’re just there and he too. Being able to get up in the middle of the night and the sleeping capital gives a particular flavor at this moment, ”explains the young woman.

To support the deepening of this practice, the basilica has organized a conference cycle in the last nine days, and offers a retirement until August 4, entitled “Come, Ador”. “Adoration is first of all a free moment for God, who invites me to love him, and to give myself to the world. It is in no way a withdrawal on oneself, ”insists the Father Eclef. Proof of the importance of this sanctuary for the Church, Pope Léon XIV delegated to the nonce Christophe Pierre to give his apostolic blessing to all those who will witness the solemn mass.