Originally designated to be the organ and choir gallery, the chapel was dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus after the arrival of a Sacred Heart statue from Germany in 1874 and the dedication of the Diocese of Melbourne to the Sacred Heart in 1875.

The Sacred Heart statue is in the centre of the reredos, surrounded by relief carvings of the Nativity and the Last Supper. Below are carvings of The Crowning with Thorns and The Agony in the Garden. Below is a carved inscription ‘Cor Jesus, Thronus Misericordiae’ (Heart of Jesus, Throne of Mercy).

The altar is made of alabaster. Its frontal features carvings of Jesus before Pilate and the scourging at the pillar.  The tabernacle door is inscribed with the words ‘Cor Jesus, Salue in Te sperantium’ (Heart of Jesus, Salvation of those who hope in Thee).

An ornate credence table is next to the right wall of the chapel and matches the altar. The archway above the chapel bears the inscription: ‘Discite a Me quia mitis sum et humilis corde’ (Learn of Me because I am meek and humble of heart). An inscription on the side arches reads: ‘Venite ad Me omnes qui laboratis et onerati estis’ (Come to Me all ye who labour and are burdened).

Archbishop Carr (1917) is buried beneath the pavement of the chapel.