Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church

I am a third generation member of Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Following the example of my mother, Mary Lee Moreland Eggart, and my grandmother, Hilda Martinez Moreland, I have been involved in various lay ministries in the parish all my adult life.

Founded in 1928 to serve a largely Italian community in what was then the outskirts of Baton Rouge, Sacred Heart developed into one of the largest and most important parishes in the area during the 1940s and 50s. As Baton Rouge began to grow outward to the suburbs in the 1960s the loss of population from what is now the center of the city was dramatically felt in the parish. Now a congregation of less than 1000 families, it nevertheless remains a strong community proud of its diversity and spirit.

The current church building, dedicated in 1942, was designed by New Orleans architect Albert Bendernagel in a blended Roman and Byzantine style. The interior features a unique cycle of murals by the Dutch Benedictine monk, Gregory deWit and stained glass windows by the Emil Frei studios of St. Louis. The art and architecture of this beautiful and ornate church has fascinated me since my childhood and has often been the muse that inspires my own art.

 

 

St. Joseph Portal

Window of Creation
Our Lady Portal
 

Tu Nobis Victor Rex • Cor Jesu Miserere
Details of Sacred Heart of Jesus Church
Shelton's Doves
 
A Priest Forever Details of Sacred Heart School 2016
 
 
Details of Sacred Heart School 2017 Details of Sacred Heart School 2018
 
 
Symbols of Wisdom at the Foot of the Altar 2018 Details of Sacred Heart School 2020
 
 
Prince of Peace 2021 Make Our Hearts Like Unto Thine 2022

 
Paschal Candles

The Paschal candle is a large candle used in liturgies of the Roman Catholic Church and other Western Rites of Christianity. A new Paschal candle is blessed and lit every Easter, and is used during the Easter season and throughout the year on special occasions, such as baptisms and funerals. It is the symbol of the light of the risen Christ dispersing the darkness of sin.

Since 1977 I have decorated Sacred Heart’s Paschal candle each year, often using elements of our church’s art and architecture as a basis for the painted designs.

Click HERE to see how the 2010 candle was created.

   
 
   
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Photo ©2014 Davis Hotard
2015 2014
   

Photo ©2013 Davis Hotard

2013 2012
   

Photo ©2011 Davis Hotard

2011 2010
 
2009 2008
 
2007 2006
 
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©2009 Mary Lee Eggart
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