During this Jubilee Year of Hope, we’re bringing you feature videos and stories highlighting the rich beauty and history of the Diocese’s seven pilgrimage sites. Previously, we shared an introductory story, Preparing for your local Jubilee Journey, and a video feature on the Basilica of Saints Cyril and Methodius in Danville. This piece is the third installment in the series.
Known originally as Conewago Chapel, the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is located in southern Adams County just outside Hanover, about an hour south of Harrisburg off Route 15.
Inside the historic worship space, which completed several years of restoration work in 2023, Father Dwight Schlaline, pastor, points out that the predominant portrayal of the Sacred Eucharistic Heart of Jesus is a clear highlight for pilgrims.
“When the scaffolding came down for the first time a few years ago during our $2 million restoration project, the vibrancy of the art was so moving I was almost brought to tears,” he said. “The worship space powerfully emphasizes the precious Heart of Jesus, beating with love for all who enter the building.”
Jesuit missionaries founded the parish first known as Conewago Chapel in 1730. By 1741, a log dwelling was added to the chapel and then honored as St. Mary of the Assumption. The Jesuit priests at Conewago ministered to the soldiers of the American Revolution. By 1784, the congregation had grown to over a thousand members, the largest Catholic parish in early America.
The construction of the first stone church dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus was begun in 1785, and completed in 1787. The church was named a minor basilica in 1962 by Pope John XXIII, now St. John XXIII.
In remarks at the time, the pope noted, “Blessed in the sight of heaven is the place called Conewago, famous, above all else, as the seat of the first church in the United States, and perhaps in all North America, dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and as a cradle of fervent Catholic Life. The church is counted among the fairest of the land. The faithful of America to this shrine of religion share in the sacred rites and to “drink deep from the foundation of salvation.’” (Isaiah 12:3).
Father Schlaline said the parish has hosted several parish bus tours of visitors with more scheduled. He hopes pilgrims will walk away “with a sense of awe at the great legacy bequeathed to us from the brave missionaries and settlers of Conewago; a legacy that points to the vibrant Heart of our Savior Jesus Christ, who became incarnate out of love, redeemed us by love, and offers us salvation because of love.”
The stone church structure sits majestically atop hilly terrain with a nice view of the surrounding countryside. There are several interesting historical placards both outside on the grounds and inside the church, which includes a Jubilee passport stamp station.
The Basilica’s grounds are impeccably maintained, and there is ample free parking, bus and RV parking, and wheelchair accessibility.
If visiting during the week, you will want to call ahead to confirm the church will be open (generally Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. and Friday from 9 a.m.-2 p.m.) The weekend liturgy schedule is posted on the parish website.
Upcoming Special Events
On Saturday, July 19, the parish will host its annual picnic from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Basilica Picinic Woods, 3175 Centennial Road, Hanover. Enjoy chicken corn soup made in kettles over a fire and take part in a day of family, friends, fun and food. See the parish Facebook page for more details.
September 21-23, the parish will host a 40 Hours devotion featuring Archbishop Timothy Broglio, Archbishop of the Military Services and President of the USCCB, at 7 p.m. each evening. Watch for more details in the weekly bulletin posted to the parish website.
Learn more about the Jubilee Year and the Diocese’s pilgrimage sites at www.hbgdiocese.org/jubilee-2025-pilgrims-of-hope/.
(Photos by Chris Heisey, The Catholic Witness.)
By Patrick Brennan, The Catholic Witness
