What if I told you that an earthquake almost erased this sacred place? Today we stand before El Sagrado Corazón. This Basilica of San José and Nuestra Señora del Sagrado Corazón is a Catholic church. It resides in Mexico City’s Centro Histórico. Many people mistake it for the Buen Tono church. But El Sagrado Corazón is much older.
El Sagrado Corazón earned the title of Minor Basilica in 1993. Pope John Paul II bestowed this honor. The church has a rich history. It was once a chapel for indigenous people. Early colonial governments restricted them to this area. It was known as the first temple for Indians. The central plaza was a marketplace near the church atrium.
Let’s step back in time. An original church stood here. But it was demolished in 1769. The Archbishop divided Mexico City into 13 parishes in 1771. San José de los Naturales parish closed. A new parish of San José was created. It primarily served the same neighborhood. The church reopened in 1792.
Disaster struck in 1858. An earthquake severely damaged the building. Extensive remodeling followed. The church reopened in 1861. Its remarkable interior beauty dates from this period. The Reform laws of 1857 changed everything. The government divided and sold the larger complex. Practically, it is the only colonial-era building left. It became a historical monument in 1931.
But the trials of El Sagrado Corazón did not end there. The catastrophic earthquake of 1985 rocked Mexico City. It caused severe damage to buildings and infrastructure. The historical center was hardest hit. Many thought the church would close. The generosity of parishioners saved it. They rebuilt it in record time. The new classically styled church concluded in May 1992.
Months later Pope John Paul II elevated it to a Minor Basilica. He spoke of the gracious image of the Mother of God. It is now found in more than half the country’s churches. The Basilica is home to Our Lady of the Sacred Heart painting. It came from Issoudun France. Her title is Abogada de las Causas Dificiles y Desesperadas. That translates to Protector of Difficult and Desperate Cases. The image is the third most revered devotion in Mexico. Only Our Lady of Guadalupe and the Sacred Heart of Jesus rank higher.
In 1854 the image of Our Lady was placed in the church. An earthquake struck four years later. It caused extensive damage. It awoke great fervor among the faithful. The devotion increased notably. It became the parish’s principal devotion. It even eclipsed that of St. Joseph. It extended to the whole country. People attributed miracles to her intercession. She became known as The Helper of the Most Desperate Cases. Thousands of testimonials attest to her powers of protection.
The Archbishop of Mexico blessed the painting solemnly in 1940. Pope Pius XII crowned the image in 1948. It was an emotional ceremony in the Metropolitan Cathedral. Archbishop Luis Martinez officiated. El Sagrado Corazón faced another challenge in 2017. Another earthquake caused severe damage again. But masses still take place here. They are broadcast on speakers. These are mounted on the facade.
El Sagrado Corazón stands as a symbol of faith resilience. It has survived earthquakes political upheaval and neglect. It continues to offer solace hope to those who enter its doors. It stands as a testament to the enduring power of faith. It reflects the devotion of a community.