Cathedral of the Sacred Heart
Located near the Gol Dak Khana, New Delhi, a landmark post office on the roundabout where Ashoka Road meets Baba Kharak Singh Marg, the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart is one of the most important Catholic Churches of the capital. Henry Medd designed the church, though initially eight architects were invited to submit plans for the new cathedral.
The members of the panel of judges included Sir Edwin Lutyens and Father Luke, the driving force behind the construction of this beautiful cathedral. He was from the Franciscan First Order founded by St. Francis of Assisi (1182-1226) to lead a life based completely on the idea of brotherhood living in simplicity. The 14 acres of land, which form the cathedral grounds, were acquired in 1920 for just Rs 7000, upon a perpetual lease with a yearly rental of Rs 365. Today the cathedral stands between two schools, Saint Columba’s and Convent of Jesus and Mary.
Rev Dr. E. Vanni, Archbishop of Agra in 1929, laid the foundation stone of the cathedral and the construction began in 1930. Sir Anthony de Mello donated the main altar of the church, which is made of pure marble. His grace the Archbishop of Agra presented the bell, vestments and altar furniture.
