If old churches could talk…
This past Sunday, my family attended Mass here at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in Atlanta. It hasn’t always gone by this name, but received its name change in 1898.
The usher we met at the church knew that we were visitors, as he’s been attending the church all his life. He even went to the school that once belonged to the church, but is no longer there.
Because we were new, he wanted to share about his church and its interesting list of past parishioners.
A couple of noteworthy tidbits:
1. Actress Julia Roberts was baptized here in this church. Her mother was Catholic, her dad, Baptist. Sadly, she is a practicing Hindu now, so if you ever pray for those that have strayed from the Faith, you might include her.
2. “Mattie” Holliday was a first cousin of Doc Holliday. Wildly enough, these two were in love with each other, but knew that they could never be together. She became a nun and he never married, dying young of tuberculosis at 36. According to the usher, their distant cousin, Margaret Mitchell, author of “Gone With the Wind,” attended Mass here. Characters in the book are based off of Mattie and Doc. While not Catholic at the time, Doc did attend Mass here at least once. Upon his deathbed, a priest was called and he converted to Catholicism.
3. In 1995, Mother Teresa visited this basilica. The reason for her visit was the dedication of the Gift of Grace House, an HIV/AIDS hospice for women. There is a plaque honoring her visit. St. Mother Teresa’s feast day is today.
The church is beautiful with excellent stained-glass windows. So, if you are ever in the Atlanta area, Catholic Pilgrims, be sure to stop by for a visit.
Live the Faith boldly and travel this Tuesday.
