The installation of the Basilica’s marble flooring is well underway.

Phase 1A of the re-decorating project, For Such a Time as This, includes the installation of new marble flooring in the Sanctuary that will consist primarily of white Italian Bianco carrara marble “C” variation, with gray St. Anne marble, quarried in the French Pyrenees, used as a border and accent. Considering that the marble only arrived at the church on September the 9th. the craftsmen from Rugo Stone have made considerable progress.  

The area of the raised platform, or predella, in the Sanctuary with the gray outline (above) is where the new altar will be located. In the photos below you can also see the extensions of the predella, where the Ambo and lectern will be installed. Note the pre-wiring for the electrical and A/V system requirements.

Included in the floor design are three medallions. A medallion honoring our Marist tradition in the Marian Shrine and one of Benedict XVI in the shrine dedicated to St. Joseph, since he was Pope when Sacred Heart was named a Basilica. These medallions will be three feet in diameter. These photos are from the workshop in Italy where they are being produced. The third medallion, the crest of the Basilica, will be five feet in diameter and crafted in the same workshop.

When complete, probably in late October, there will be approximately 2000 square feet of marble installed in the Sanctuary floor and transition into the first few rows of pews in the Nave. 

Our goal is to create a welcoming environment that supports the various liturgies that occur within it, is balanced and appropriate for a Basilica, follows current liturgical guidelines, and respects the history of Sacred Heart.