A Guide to the Sacred Heart "Open wide the doors to Christ," the Jubilee 2000 theme, has taken on a more literal meaning at the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart, Newark. Cathedral Rector, Msgr. Richard F. Groncki, announced that the Cathedral Basilica, the center of Church life for the Archdiocese of Newark, will welcome pilgrims for self guided tours. "We hope to welcome a greater number of pilgrims and tourists during the Jubilee year," he said. The Cathedral, which has been referred to as one of the finest examples of French Gothic architecture in the Western Hemisphere, will be a major pilgrimage destination for the people of the Archdiocese and beyond during the coming year. Msgr. Groncki said he hopes the new 20-page self guided tour booklet will enhance the pilgrimage experience for the estimated 11,000 people who visit the Cathedral every year. "I hope it will help them to realize what a jewel we have here in Newark." According to Msgr. Groncki, the full color booklet provides information about the architecture and history of the Cathedral as well as "the theological importance it has in the spiritual lives of the people of the archdiocese." The booklet walks participants through the enormous structure and points out details along the way. The introduction explains what religious art aims to do: "for the illiterate medieval Christian, windows and statues taught the lessons of the Church, lessons still meaningful for us today. They also surround the earthly community with reminders of its heavenly members, the saints." The self guided tour explains the symbolism of the many statues and carvings that can be found in and around the altar. It also explains the significance of the "umbrella" and "bell pole" to the left of the altar that mark the Cathedral as a Minor Basilica. Pope John Paul II elevated it to a Minor Basilica during his visit to Newark in 1995. The symbolism and significance of the chapels surrounding the altars are explained with a focus on their cultural and historical context. Several of the chapels honor patron saints of major national and ethnic groups that made up the Archdiocese at the time the Cathedral was completed. The 26 step booklet includes references to ancient Greece and Rome, the Apostles, the Evangelists, Biblical figures, medieval philosophers and many of the Popes, including Pope John Paul II. The Cathedral
Basilica is opened for self guided tours from 9a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday
to Saturday and from 1p.m. to 3p.m. on Sundays. The cost of the
self guided tour booklet is $3 plus .75 cents for shipping and handling.
Guided tours are held at 1p.m. on the first Sunday of every month
or by appointment for 15 or more people. For more information call
the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart at (973) 484-4600.
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