Apostolate of Divine Mercy and Healing

The Beautiful and Graceful Church of Notre Dame is located in Southbridge Massachusetts.

It's construction was begun in 1911 and it was finished in 1916. According to the financial reports of 1916, the church was erected for $226,030.81 and was debt free. The sacrifices of those early founders of Notre Dame were enormous when you take into consideration that a carpenters hourly wage at the time was 25 cents.

Notre Dame is built in a Rococo-style, that is a profusion of rock work and scrolls popular at the time of Louis XV. The sculptured stucco decoration, designed by Raggi, is in the Renaissance style. This style was very popular in Europe 500 years ago and was used by Raphael in Florence.

The Tower rises 210 feet from the ground to the tip of the cross. Inside hang the 3 bells blessed in 1915 and named "Jesus", "Maria", and "Josephus". The bells and the mounting have a total combined weight of 11,000 lbs.

Passing through the massive and ornate bronze doors, you find yourself in a beautiful and expansive space reminiscent of large European Cathedrals. Stained glass windows infuse the interior with a great deal of outside light and at night, seen from the outside, the windows radiate a beautiful golden color.

The Great Cassavant Organ of Notre Dame is one of the most impressive in the Diocese of Worcester. It is constructed with over 4000 pipes and a set of sterling silver tubular chimes to enhance it's sound.

Architecture has always been an expression of life, the medium by which people have recorded their emotions, aspirations and their beliefs. Like all great cathedrals of Europe, Notre Dame was built by poor people of the parish. It stands as a monument to the faith and accomplishments of French-Canadians of Southbridge who migrated from Canada in the early 1840's. Those proud pioneers left a legacy of religious faith, love and beauty.