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Novena to the Sacred Heart

Day Nine: The Sacred Heart Shrine

Use the audio player in the menu below to listen to today's reflection. If you prefer, you can find a text version of the reflection and prayer at this link.
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When you're ready, scroll down or use the down arrow on your keyboard to learn more about today's featured mosaic.

At last, we arrive at the Shrine to the Sacred Heart.

This shrine and mosaic installation, the most recent in the Cathedral Basilica, was commissioned by Cardinal Raymond Leo Burke (then an Archbishop) and completed and consecrated in 2007. The mosaic image was created by artists at Fabbrica di San Pietro, the Vatican mosaic studio. Architect Duncan G. Stroik designed the shrine and altar in which the mosaic rests.

Opposite: detail of the Sacred Heart Mosaic. Inset: (then) Archbishop Raymond Burke in the spring of 2008.

Apart from being attractive on its own merits and harmonious with the space around it, the Shrine to the Sacred Heart is proof that the Cathedral Basilica is not a museum. It is a work in progress: a living community of the faithful that continues to change, to grow, and to adapt to meet the needs of the day.

Like the individual tesserae that make up the Cathedral Basilica's mosaics, each of us has a unique and beautiful role to play in God's plan. And like these brilliant mosaics that adorn our Mother Church, we, too, can radiate the light of Christ for those around us. We need only live our faith with courage and joy.

“Perhaps a mosaic, in the end, is our best comparison, as each of us adds to the beauty of the parish family and creates a magnificent design for the glory of God.”

Msgr. James Telthorst (1942–2022)
Former Rector of the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis

Want to continue the pilgrimage?

If you have not visited the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis in some time (or if you have yet to make a visit!) we invite you to experience this wholly unique treasure in-perseon.

The Cathedral Basilica is open from 7:00 am – 5:00 pm. Self-guided tours do not require reservations; however, we strongly encourage visitors to call and ensure the church is available, especially on the weekends, due to weddings, funerals, Archdiocesan events, and other weekend activities. Guided tours are available by appointment during weekdays between 10:00 a.m.- 3:00 p.m., pending other scheduled events. Please contact the tour office at 314-373-8241 for availability.

The Cathedral Basilica also hosts a tour on most Sundays following the completion of the noon Mass. The Sunday Tours are open to the public and do not require reservations unless you are bringing in a large group.

Learn More

Credits
Today's Guide: Archbishop Michael T. Rozanski is the 10th Archbishop of Archdiocese of St. Louis, a position he has held since 2020.
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Historic photos via the Archdiocesan Archives
Photo of Cardinal Burke by Geerlingguy; via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
All other photos by Cori Nations Photography.