BASILICA OF SAINT PIUS X

A scenic view of the oval Basilica of St Pius X from the Castle of Lourdes

In order to accommodate the ever-increasing number of pilgrims and tourists to Lourdes, the Basilica of Saint Pius X (Basilique Saint Pie X), which is nearly the size of Saint Peter's Basilica in Rome, was built in 1956 and completed in 1958. Dedicated to Pope Pius X, it is one of the largest Roman Catholic churches in the world. Located at 97 Boulevard Remi Sempe, 65100 Lourdes, the large oval Basilica is entirely underground and that is why it is also  known as the 'Underground Basilica'. Entering through St. Michael's Gate, the Basilica of Saint Pius X can be found on the left side of the Esplanade. Pilgrims can enter the Basilica through its six entrances. The main entrance is on the Esplanade facing The Chapel of St. Joseph. 201-metre long and 81-metre wide, the Basilica has an area of 12000 square metres and an inside perimeter of about 475 metres. It can hold about 25000 people. The Basilica of Saint Pius X was consecrated by Cardinal Angelo Giuseppe Roncalli on 25 March 1958 to celebrate the centenary of the apparitions. He became Pope a few months later, taking the name John XXIII.

The interior of the Basilica

The V-shaped pillars supporting the ceiling beams and the long central beam

The Saint Pius X Basilica was designed by the French architects Pierre Vago, Andre Le Donne and Pierre Pinsard. The interior of the Basilica consists of 58 V-shaped pillars that support the ceiling beams, which are the vertebrae of the vault, as well as the long central beam. This design not only provides maximum visibility but also makes use of the available space efficiently. Its oval shape has been likened to a fish and a grain of wheat which are the traditional symbols of Christianity. The early Christians used the fish symbol, also known as the Jesus fish, as a secret symbol to identify themselves as Jesus' followers. The grain of wheat symbolizes the bread of Jesus' last supper and His resurrection.

The high altar in the center of the Basilica

The closing ceremony of the Eucharistic Procession

The finale ceremony at the end of the Procession

The centre of the basilica is dominated by the high altar. The Holy Sacrament is kept in the Pax Christi Chapel, also known as the Chapel of the Most Holy Sacrament, which is located to the north of the high altar. There is a relic of Pope Saint Pius X in the altar of this chapel. International mass is celebrated in the Basilica at 9.30 a.m. every Wednesday and Sunday during the pilgrimage season. The closing ceremony of the Eucharistic procession and the blessing of the pilgrims takes place inside the Basilica every evening during the pilgrimage season, from Easter to All Saints Day. On rainy days, the procession, which normally takes place on the Esplanade, will be held inside the Basilica.

The Eucharistic Procession

The Eucharistic Procession

The Eucharistic Procession

The walls of the Basilica are decorated with stained-glass windows that allow light into the building which has no other decorations. The windows are stained-glass masterpieces gifts from French gemmail artists. On the west ramp are the 15 Mysteries of the Rosary designed by Robert Falucci, and on the east ramp are the 15 Stations of the Cross designed by Denys de Solere. Bernadette's way of light, a series of stained-glass windows which depict the eighteen apparitions of Our Lady to St. Bernadette and two scenes from the saint's life based on sketches by Rene Margotton can be found on the lower part to the east. There are two more images at the entrance to the sacristy thus making a total of 52 images. Especially important masterpieces in these series of stained-glass windows are Bernadette's Vision by Marguerite Bordet, Our Lady of Light by Tony Agostini and Peter's Boat by Meb. 

You may also like to read LOURDES: THE ROSARY BASILICA, THE BASILICA OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION, THE CRYPT, THE PARISH CHURCH OF LOURDES, and THE CHURCH OF SAINT BERNADETTE. To view the content page of this blog, please click here.

References:

1.  Lourdes & Bernadette. Publisher "il Calamo".

2.  Lourdes. Doucet Publications.

3.  Lourdes. Andre Doucet Publication.

4.  Discover Lourdes. MSM.