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Jesus in the Streets
Participants from the Spanish and Polish Communities came together in a Vicariate III Corpus Christi Procession: "Jesus in the Streets" through downtown Chicago on June 17.
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Annual Muslim/Catholic Interfaith Program and Iftar
The Council of Islamic Organizations of Greater Chicago sponsors the Annual Muslim/Catholic Interfaith Program and Iftar event during Ramadan and invites Chicago's Catholic community to celebrate their mutual friendship and to promote interreligious dialogue.
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Relic of Blessed Oscar Romero
A first-class relic of Blessed Oscar Romero was installed on May 28 in a new shrine at Immaculate Conception Parish.
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Peace Walk
On Good Friday, April 14, Cardinal Cupich led hundreds people on a Walk for Peace through Chicago's Englewood neighborhood. Civic and religious leaders participated along with members of Chicago's police and fire departments. The group traced the Stations of the Cross and paused along the way to read the names of those killed by gun violence in the city since January 1.
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Prevent Child Abuse Prayer Service and Pinwheel Planting
The Archdiocese of Chicago's annual Prevent Child Abuse Prayer Service and Pinwheel Planting was held April 7, at the Healing Garden of the Archdiocese of Chicago located at Holy Family Parish, 1080 W. Roosevelt Road. April is national Child Abuse Prevention Month. The concept of the garden came from clergy abuse victims, priests and Office for the Protection of Children and Youth staff members, and was approved by Cardinal George. A focal point of the Healing Garden is the sculpture, Circle of Love, depicting the Holy Family, a gift of the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth.
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Stations of the Cross with the Polish Catholic Community
Members of the Polish Catholic community processed from St. Louis de Montfort in Oak Lawn to St. Albert the Great in Burbank during an outdoor Stations of the Cross on April 8. Bishop Andrew Wypych celebrated the closing Mass for over 3,000 participants.
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Washing of the feet at St. Sabina
Father Michael Pfleger, senior pastor, washed the feet of members of the Muslim, Latino and African-American communities during a Mass at St. Sabina on Feb. 12 to demonstrate respect, dignity and honor of every human life in the tradition of Pope Francis.
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Loyola’s living legend inducted into hall of fame
During halftime on Jan. 21, when the Loyola men’s team played Evansville in Gentile Arena, Sister Jean Dolores Schmidt, the 97-year-old chaplain of Loyola University’s men’s basketball team, became the 173rd person inducted into the university’s sports hall of fame.
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Chicago Symphony Orchestra at Holy Name Cathedral
Maestro Ricardo Muti conducted the Chicago Symphony Orchestra in a performance of Haydn's "The Seven Last Words of Our Savior on the Cross" at Holy Name Cathedral on Feb. 17.
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Scholastic Showdown at Christ Our Savior School
Students competed in the Scholastic Showdown as part of a Catholic Schools Week activity at Christ Our Savior School in South Holland on Feb. 3.
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Cardinal Cupich attends Jesuit Cup to kick off Catholic Schools Week 2017
Cardinal Cupich attended a basketball game between Loyola Academy in Willmette and Saint Ignatius College Prep in Chicago to kick off Catholic Schools Week on Jan. 27. The two schools were playing for the “Jesuit Cup.” The cardinal switched sides at halftime to give both schools equal support as the Loyola Ramblers defeated St. Ignatius wolfpack 47-36.
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School of St. Mary Centennial Celebration
The School of St. Mary in Lake Forest treated its students to a surprise centennial celebration kick-off on Jan. 20. The day was filled with old-fashioned games, crafts and a centennial video about the school’s history.
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Marchers carry nearly 800 crosses down Michigan Avenue to remember city’s 2016 murder victims
Over 700 crosses were carried along Michigan Avenue on Dec. 31 -- one for each person killed in 2016 in Chicago. Greg Zanis of Aurora constructed the crosses with the help of volunteers and distributed them to families of the victims. St. Sabina Parish and its pastor, Father Michael Pfleger, organized the march down the Magnificent Mile.
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Cardinal celebrates Midnight Mass at cathedral
Cardinal Cupich was the main celebrant during Midnight Mass at Holy Name Cathedral, State and Superior streets in Chicago on Christmas Eve.
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Cardinal Cupich visits Cook County Jail on Christmas
On Christmas morning, Cardinal Cupich celebrated Mass with inmates in the Cook County Jail, 25th and California, in Chicago. It’s an annual tradition carried on by Chicago’s archbishops.
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Cardinal Cupich holds vespers at titular church
New Cardinal Blase J. Cupich of Chicago attended a prayer service at which he took possession of his titular church of St. Bartholomew on Tiber Island in Rome Nov. 20. Family and friends from Chicago and Croatia joined well-wishers in Rome for vespers at Cardinal Cupich's titular church.
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Día de los Muertos at the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe
Participants celebrate All Souls Day, or Día de los Muertos, at the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Des Plaines on Nov. 2. Families spent the afternoon assembling altars with pictures and items from deceased relatives and friends. The altars were individually blessed by clergy following a Mass. The celebration continued with serenades and traditional Mexican music.
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Rosary in the Park
The Rosary in the Park was celebrated at Hodges Park in Park Ridge on Oct. 8. The annual event is sponsored by Knights of Columbus Maria Council 4836 and is a celebration of the month of the rosary and the American Needs Fatima effort.
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Pet Blessing at St. Ann Parish
Pets were blessed on Oct. 1 in celebration of the feast of St. Francis of Assisi at St. Ann Parish in Lansing. St. Francis is the patron saint of animals and the environment. Parishes around the archdiocese hold pet blessings around the feast day on Oct. 4.
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100th anniversary Mass for St. Nicholas of Tolentine Parish
Archbishop Cupich was the main celebrant at a 100th anniversary Mass with parishioners of St. Nicholas of Tolentine Parish, 3721 West 62nd St., on Sept. 11.
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Mass of Thanksgiving for the canonization of Mother Teresa
Archbishop Cupich celebrated a Mass of thanksgiving for the canonization of Mother Teresa at Holy Name Cathedral on Sept. 25.
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First Responder Mass at St. Cletus Parish
A special outdoor Mass in honor of first responders was held at St. Cletus Parish in La Grange on Sept. 11. It was the 15th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. The congregation gave thanks and prayed for all active and retired police officers, firefighters and emergency medical personnel.
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Vigil for Peace
A Vigil for Peace was held at Holy Name Cathedral on Sept. 8. The Taize service was in response to a call from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops to pray for peace in the country and the world on Sept. 9. Taize is a style of musical prayer in which a simple phrase is sung repeatedly to lead participants into prayer.
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Cardinal Norberto Rivera at the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe
Cardinal Norberto Rivera, Archbishop of Mexico City, was honored for his 50 years as a priest at a Mass at the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Des Plaines on Aug. 21. This is the first time that the cardinal visited the shrine. The shrine is the only place in the United States where pilgrims can receive the same special indulgence that is offered to pilgrims visiting the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City.
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St. Nicholas of Tolentine starts school year in style
St. Nicholas of Tolentine (3741 W. 62nd St,) kicked off its 2016/17 school year with a red carpet event. Teachers arrived in a stretch limo and joined students in walking the red carpet into the school. They received a blessing from the pastor before Jim Rigg, superintendent ran the ceremonial bell signaling the start of classes.
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World Youth Day Chicago Sending Forth Mass
Archbishop Cupich celebrated a Mass for pilgrims traveling to Krakow for World Youth Day at Holy Name Cathedral on July 10.
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Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Procession
A procession was held as part of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish’s annual festival in Melrose Park on July 17. Every year the event, which honors their patron Our Lady of Mount Carmel, draws thousands of mostly Italian-Americans for a novena, Masses, processions and a street festival.
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Summer Tribute to Our Lady of Guadalupe
The second annual summer tribute to Our Lady of Guadalupe was held June 10 to June 12, at the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Des Plaines. The mid-year tribute included a concert on Saturday featuring the “Siervas,” a group of Latin-American religious order sisters from Peru, who sing pop/rock and Latin infused Catholic music. This will be their first concert in the United States after performing for Pope Francis on his most recent visit to Mexico. Also, a special Mass on Sunday was celebrated by Cardinal Alberto Suárez Inda from the Archdiocese of Morelia, Mexico.
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St. Dorothy Parish Centennial Mass
Archbishop Cupich was the main celebrant at a centennial Mass at St. Dorothy Parish, 450 East 78th St., on June 19.
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Renovación Carismática Católica Hispana
Renovación Carismática Católica Hispana took place on June 11 at the UIC Forum.
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Priest Ordination 2016
Archbishop Cupich ordained five new priests at Holy Name Cathedral on May 21. The men, ranging in age from 26 to 35, include two from the Chicago area. The remaining men are from Poland, Mexico and Michigan. After ordination, the new priests will serve in parishes in Chicago, Oak Forest and Orland Park.
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Honoring Mary in May
Local parishes honored Mary in May, the month in the church calendar traditionally marked to celebrated May crownings and Marian feast days such as of Our Lady of Fatima on May 13.
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Pentecost Sunday
Archbishop Cupich celebrated Mass at St. Margaret of Scotland Parish, 9830 S. Vincennes Ave., on May 15, Pentecost Sunday.
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Mass for Expectant Mothers
Bishop John Manz celebrated a special Mass for Expectant Mothers in Spanish at St. Joseph Parish, 1723 W. 48th St., on May 8. At the Mass, Bishop Manz blessed all mothers. Expectant mothers received a carnation as well as a prayer card and medal of St. Gerard, the patron saint of expectant mothers.
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Academic Convocation of the University of St. Mary of the Lake / Mundelein Seminary
Archbishop Cupich presided at the Academic Convocation of the University of St. Mary of the Lake / Mundelein Seminary in Mundelein on May 7.
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St. Clement Service Day at Our Lady of the Angels Mission
Volunteers from St Clement Church worked at Our Lady of the Angels Mission on the West Side as part of their parish Service Day on April 23. Teams of adult and teenage parishioners volunteered at a variety of service projects at organizations throughout the city, such as homeless shelters, child care centers, soup kitchens and senior homes.
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Prevent Child Abuse Prayer Service and Pinwheel Planting
The Archdiocese of Chicago's annual Prevent Child Abuse Prayer Service and Pinwheel Planting was held April 15, 2016, at the Healing Garden of the Archdiocese of Chicago located at Holy Family Parish, 1080 W. Roosevelt Road. April is national Child Abuse Prevention Month. The concept of the garden came from clergy abuse victims, priests and Office for the Protection of Children and Youth staff members, and was approved by the late Cardinal George, Archbishop Emeritus of Chicago. A focal point of the Healing Garden is the sculpture, Circle of Love, depicting the Holy Family, a gift of the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth.
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Feast of the Divine Mercy
An all-night vigil to mark the feast of Divine Mercy took place on April 2, 2016. The archdiocesan Office for the New Evangelization sponsored the multi-lingual event.
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Palm Sunday and Holy Week
Catholics throughout the Archdiocese of Chicago observed Holy Week with reenactments from the Gospel and special liturgies. The following pictures cover events from Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem to a Via Crucis portraying his crucifixion and death.
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Chicago Catholics celebrate St. Patrick's Day
Catholics from around the Archdiocese of Chicago participated in St. Patrick's Day related events this year. Photos by Karen Callaway.
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To end violence will take all communities
People gathered at St. Barnabus Church on Feb.27 in Beverly for an ecumenical prayer service as part of the "Thou Shall Not Murder" campaign. Southwest Side churches are sponsoring the campaign, which is calling for a day without murder Easter Sunday in the city of Chicago.
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Catholic school students celebrate Black History Month with prayer, charity
Hundreds of students from elementary and high schools in the Archdiocese of Chicigo gathered Feb. 26 in Holy Name Cathedral for the annual service, which was planned by a committee of high school students. This year's theme was, "We Are Different Because We Are One." During the service, school superintendent Jim Rigg gave the African-American Heritage Award to Bobbie Hicks, 92, the first African-American lay teacher in the archdiocese's Catholic schools.
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Chinese New Year at St. Therese Chinese Catholic Church
Archbishop Cupich celebrated a Chinese New Year Mass at St. Therese Chinese Catholic Church, 218 W. Alexander St., on Feb. 21.
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Beginning of Lent 2016
Photos from around the archdiocese at the beginning of Lent 2016.
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Catholic Schools Week 2016
The week of Jan. 31-Feb. 6 is Catholic Schools Week across the United States. Catholic Schools in Cook and Lake counties will welcome the public during special open houses and will focus on the value of Catholic education with other special events in their schools throughout the week. The theme is "Catholic Schools: Communities of Faith, Knowledge and Service."
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Year of Consecrated Life Closing Mass
Archbishop Cupich was the main celebrant for the closing Mass for the Year of Consecrated Life at Holy Name Cathedral on January 24.
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March for Life 2016
Thousands of participants braved below-zero windchills to help defend and protect all human life at the March for Life on Jan. 17. Speakers at Federal Plaza included Archbishop Cupich, abortion survivor Melissa Ohden, Orthodox Bishop Paul of Chicago and Pastor Wilfredo De Jesús of the New Life Covenant Church in Chicago.
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Simbang Gabi 2015
Archbishop Cupich celebrated a Simbang Gabi Mass at St. Ferdinand Parish on December 19.
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Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe 2015
More than 200,000 people were expected to visit the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Des Plaines for the feast day of Our Lady of Guadalupe, patroness of the Americas, on Dec. 11-12. The celebration is the largest of its kind outside of Mexico.
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Opening of the Holy Door
Archbishop Cupich opened the Holy Door at Holy Name Cathedral Dec. 13, officially inaugurating the Jubilee of Mercy in the Archdiocese of Chicago.
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St. Nicholas visits St. Nicholas Parish Holiday Fest 2015
Parishioners assisted Graziano Marcheschi, dressed as St. Nicholas, in telling stories during a service on Dec. 4 at St. Nicholas Parish in Evanston. St. Nicholas was on hand to kickoff the parish Holiday Fest by teaching the children about St. Nicholas and to light the parish Christmas tree. Dec. 6 is the feast of St. Nicholas.
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Annual Riding Pilgrimage to the Our Lady of Guadalupe Shrine
Over 300 riders from various cowboy clubs from the Chicago area made their way to place a rose at the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Des Plaines on Dec. 6, 2015.
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Daley Plaza Crèche, 2015
For 31 years volunteers from area parishes - who refer to themselves as the God Squad - have set up the Nativity scene each year around the start of Advent. This recreation of the scene of the birth of Jesus has been the sole religious expression of Christmas on a government plaza in downtown Chicago for over three decades. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the final order, issued in January 1990, protecting religious freedom and allowing the downtown Chicago Christmas Nativity to continue.
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St. Columbanus Food Pantry Thanksgiving
Archbishop Cupich helped distribute food prior to Thanksgiving at St. Columbanus Parish, 331 E. 71st St., on Nov. 25. The event was organized by the parish's food pantry. Prior to passing out turkeys and food, the archbishop led volunteers in prayer.
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Interfaith Observance of Prayer and Expression of Solidarity for the City of Chicago
Archbishop Cupich hosted an Interfaith Observance of Prayer and Expression of Solidarity for the City of Chicago convened by the Council of Religious Leaders of Metropolitan Chicago at Holy Name Cathedral in Chicago on December 8th, 2015.
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"Christ the Mount" Crucifix Dedication
A special Mass celebrating the blessing and dedication of the new "Christ the Mount" crucifix at Our Lady of the Mount Parish in Cicero was held on November 1, 2015.
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Closing Mass of the 175th anniversary year of St. Patrick Parish in Lemont
The closing Mass of the 175th anniversary year of St. Patrick Parish in Lemont was celebrated on November 14, 2015.
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Prayer Walk for Peace
Chicago police officers escorted students from the Academy of St. Benedict the African School, 6020 S. Laflin St., for a prayer walk for peace in their community on Nov. 5. The school is located in the Englewood neighborhood, one of the most dangerous areas of the city for gun violence.
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Devotional Mass for St. Peregrine
A devotional Mass for St. Peregrine was held at Our Lady of Sorrows Basilica on Oct. 17. Our Lady of Sorrows is also the National Shrine of St. Peregrine, the patron of those suffering from cancer, and a devotional Mass and blessing is celebrated every second and third Saturday at 11 a.m.
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Running for the love of the Lord and the mission
Sister Stephanie Baliga, 27, and "Team OLA" ran the Bank of America Chicago Marathon on Oct. 11, raising almost $70,000 for the Mission of Our Lady of the Angels.
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Young women make final 'yes' to God
Sister Kate O'Leary and Sister Alicia Torres became the first fully professed members of the Franciscans of the Eucharist of Chicago on Oct. 4 at Our Lady of the Angels Church on Chicago's West Side.
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Through the Years: Shrine of Christ the King Sovereign Priest
Since 2004, the Institute of Christ the King Sovereign Priest, a religious community founded in Europe, has worked on renovating the church at 6415 S. Woodlawn Ave. and developing a growing community of worshippers, many of whom come a great distance for Mass and other devotions. The church, which was built for the Carmelite-run St. Clara Parish in 1923, burned once before, in 1976. It later became St. Gelasius Parish, after St. Clara merged first with St. Cyril and then Holy Cross Parish in 1990. St. Gelasius closed in 2002, and the building was slated for demolition when the archdiocese determined that it could not afford the work necessary to make the building safe.
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Back to School Sunrise Prayer Service 2015
The Back to School Sunrise Prayer Service took place at Oakwood Beach, 41st Street and Lake Shore Drive, on August 22nd. Organized by the Black Catholic Deacons of Chicago, participants prayed together for an end to violence and the healing of families, schools and communities.
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Golden Wedding Anniversary Mass 2015
Archbishop Cupich was the main celebrant at the Golden Wedding Anniversary Mass at Holy Name Cathedral on August 30th. The Mass, hosted by the Office for Marriage and Family Ministries, celebrated couples who have been married for 50 years.
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Archbishop Cupich is invested with the pallium Aug. 23
When Archbishop Cupich received the pallium – a special vestment made of lamb's wool – on his shoulders Aug. 23, he did so in a demonstration of unity that he said extended from the people in the pews to the bishops who joined him in the sanctuary to Pope Francis. He was invested with the pallium by Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò, the apostolic nuncio to the United States, after receiving it from Pope Francis in the Vatican on June 29.
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Archbishop Cupich celebrates with fellow Croatians at annual Velika Gospa Fest
Archbishop Cupich was the main celebrant at a Mass during the Velika Gospa Croatian Fest at St. Jerome Croatian Church, 2823 S. Princeton Ave., on Aug. 15. Prior to Mass a procession made its way through the neighborhood and included bands, parish members wearing traditional Croatian clothes and a large the image of Mary. The procession is the oldest continuously held on the same day in the same neighborhood in Chicago, according to the parish. Velika Gospa is Croatian for the "great day of Our Lady," the feast of the Assumption. The feast ends a novena to Our Lady. Photos by Karen Callaway/Catholic New World
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Catholics flock to annual St. Rocco festival
On Aug. 16, participants processed through the Bridgeport neighborhood carrying a statue of St. Rocco. They were part of the 95th anniversary St. Therese Parish's celebration of the feast of St. Rocco di Simbario. The traditional Italian festival includes people affixing dollars to statues asking for the saint's intercession. Families process with the statue of St. Rocco and also with homemade candlehouses. Photos by Karen Callaway
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Around the Archdiocese - August 2015
Photos from events around the archdiocese in August 2015, including Night Fever, the local Our Lady of Czestochowa pilgrimage, St. Donatus Feast and Carnival, the 150th anniversary of St. Mary Parish, and the Theology on Tap Finale.
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Saturday Hot Breakfast Program at Our Lady of Sorrows Basilica
Archbishop Blase Cupich joined volunteers from St. Pascal, Old St. Marys Parish and Our Lady of Sorrows in serving breakfast to those in need at Our Lady of Sorrows Basilica on July 25, 2015.
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Theology on Tap 2015 at St. Clement
Archbishop Cupich spoke at a Theology on Tap event at St. Clement Parish on July 14, 2015. Theology on Tap, a speaker and conversation series for people in their 20s and 30s, began on July 12 at various parishes in the archdiocese, providing young adults with opportunities to learn more about the Catholic faith. Presentations focus on aspects of faith and social life that are of interest to young adults including truthful relationships, prayer styles, discerning gifts, friendships and faith in the workplace.
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Mega Concierto Mariano
A special concert was held at the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Des Plaines on July 11. Catholic Hispanic artists Tony Melendez, Martin Valverde, Son by 4 and La Señal performed during the event.
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Mass in honor of Archbishop Oscar Romero’s Beatification
Archbishop Blase J. Cupich was the main celebrant at a Mass in honor of Archbishop Oscar Romero’s Beatification on May 23 at Holy Name Cathedral.
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Priest Ordination 2015
Fourteen men were ordained on May 16 at Holy Name Cathedral. The men hail from Cuba, Kenya, Mexico, Michigan, Poland, West Virginia and the archdiocese itself, and they range in age from 26 to 47. The newly ordained will take up their new assignments July 1 at various parishes throughout the archdiocese.
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Memorial Day Services 2015
Photos from Memorial Day Services at All Saints Cemetery and St. James at Sag Bridge Parish.
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Dedication of the Altar at St. Stephen Protomartyr
Archbishop Cupich blessed the renovated altar at St. Stephen Protomartyr Parish in Des Plaines during a Mass on May 3.
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Funeral of Cardinal George
Photos from the Funeral of Cardinal George
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An extraordinary life
Call him a local boy made good or a favorite son, or even "Francis, your neighbor." The fact is, no one, not even Cardinal George himself, could have predicted a path that would take him away from Chicago, first to Belleville, Illinois and then around the world, before returning to his hometown. The following are pictures from the cardinal's extraordinary life.
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Celebrating Holy Week and Easter
Photos from around the Archdiocese taken during Holy Week and Easter 2015.
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Divine Mercy Sunday at Sacred Heart Church
Celebration of Divine Mercy Sunday at Sacred Heart Church in Palos Hills on April 12, 2015.
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Second anniversary of the enshrinement of St. Pedro Calungsod at Old St Mary's Church
Bishop Francis Kane was the main celebrant during a Mass of thanksgiving for Cardinal George and to celebrate the second anniversary of the enshrinement of St. Pedro Calungsod at Old St Mary's Church on March 14.
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Rite of Election at Holy Name Cathedral
Archbishop Blase Cupich presided at the rite of election liturgy at Holy Name Cathedral on March 1. The rite is held for those preparing to receive the sacraments of Baptism, Eucharist, and Confirmation during the Easter Vigil (Holy Saturday) services. During this liturgy those who have not been baptized are called forward to the front of the cathedral, where the bishop elects them for the Easter sacraments. Those coming into full communion in the Catholic Church (the baptized) are also called forward. The bishop recognizes them and calls them to continued conversion.
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Parish Leadership Day 2015
The Annual Parish Leadership Day was held at Marist High School, 4200 W. 115th St, on Feb. 21 and featured over 100 workshops on issues pertaining to parish life.
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Black Heritage Prayer Service 2015
Archbishop Cupich joined hundreds of students from archdiocesan Catholic schools to celebrate Black History Month. This year's theme was, "This is Our Story: We Need Each Other to Survive." This celebration included the first Black Heritage Award, honoring Laurence Holmes, a graduate of a Southside Catholic School and DePaul University and a supporter of Catholic education. Holmes is a sports talk show host on WSCR 670 The Score.
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Consecrated Life Day 2015
Religious and other consecrated members from around the archdiocese to celebrate Consecrated Life Day on Feb. 7 at St. John Brebeuf Parish in Niles. On this day, men and women religious, consecrated virgins, consecrated members of lay movements, individuals in training for priesthood and religious life and young adults in the Archdiocese of Chicago met for a day of testimonials, discussion and prayer.
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Lent begins!
Check out these photos by Karen Callaway from the first days of the Lenten season.
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Catholic Schools Week 2015
Photos from around the Archdiocese during Catholic Schools Week 2015.
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Vicariate I Welcome Mass with Archbishop Cupich
Archbishop Blase Cupich celebrated Mass at Saint Anne Church in Barrington on Jan. 15. The Mass was one of a series of seven scheduled in the archdiocese's six vicariates to give Catholics a chance to greet their new archbishop, who was installed Nov. 18, 2014.
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St. Sabina Parish Screens "Selma"
More than 500 parishioners of St. Sabina Parish in Chicago watched a free Jan. 17 screening of "Selma," a film based on the 1965 Selma-to-Montgomery civil rights marches. Father Michael Pfleger, co-pastor of the parish, rented two theaters in the Chatham neighborhood to treat his parishioners to the screening in celebration of Martin Luther King Day.
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National Migration Week 2015 Prayer Service
Archbishop Cupich celebrated a bilingual prayer service as part of National Migration Week 2015 on Jan. 6 at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, 4640 N. Ashland Ave.
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El Señor de Esquipulas
Archbishop Cupich joined the Guatemalan community at St. Alphonsus Parish, 1429 West Wellington Avenue in Chicago, on Sunday, January 18, for a Mass celebrating the Feast of El Señor de Esquipulas, special patron of Guatemala.
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Epiphany Celebration
Men dressed as the Three Kings rode on horses leading a procession of Catholics of Polish descent from St. Ferdinand Parish to St. Ladislaus Parish in Chicago in celebration of the Feast of the Epiphany on Jan. 4. Caspar, Melchior and Balthasar were the three kings (also known as the Three Wise Men) who brought the baby Jesus gold, frankincense and myrrh when they saw the star over Bethlehem.
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Catholic Charities New Year's Day Celebration Meal 2015
Archbishop Blase J. Cupich visited with 400 Catholic Charities clients, including seniors, veterans and families living in Catholic Charities shelters, for the Catholic Charities New Year's Day celebration meal, at The Montgomery Club, 500 W. Superior St., on Jan. 1. For the seventh year in a row, Gibsons Restaurant Group staff and volunteers prepared and served a full New Year's Day meal to the Catholic Charities guests and distributed gift bags filled with cold weather essentials like hats, gloves and scarves.
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Midnight Mass 2014
Archbishop Blase Cupich celebrated Midnight Mass at Holy Name Cathedral for the first time as the new archbishop of Chicago. Cardinal George also attended the Mass.
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Archbishop Cupich visits Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital
Archbishop Cupich visited sick children at Chicago's Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital on Dec. 24.
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Archbishop Cupich celebrates Simbang Gabi
Archbishop Cupich was the main celebrant at the Mass at Our Lady of Mercy Parish, 4432 N. Troy St., on Dec. 23 in celebration of Simbang Gabi, a novena of masses in preparation for Christmas celebrated by Filipino Catholics.
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Posadas 2014
Photos from the Immigration Posada that took place on December 19th and the annual Archdiocesan Posada that took place on December 14th.
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Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe 2014
Archbishop Blase Cupich celebrated midnight Mass at the Chapel/Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Des Plaines to welcome in the feast day for Our Lady of Guadalupe, Patroness of the Americas on December 11-12. The feast celebrates the appearance of Mary to indigenous peasant St. Juan Diego in 1531 near present-day Mexico City. The celebration is the largest of its kind outside of Mexico. Over 125,000 people were expected for the 2-day event in which many parishes make a pilgrimage by walking, riding bikes and running while carrying a torch lit from a fire at the shrine back to their respective parishes. Also included are photos from the pre-celebration on December 7.
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Chicago Firefighters and Paramedics Local 2 Toy Parade
The 16th-annual Chicago Firefighters and Paramedics Local 2 Toy Parade took place on Dec. 6. Each year, firehouses across the city collect toys and bikes, which are then donated to Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago. The agency distributes them to children in its programs.
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Catholic Charities Thanksgiving Dinner
Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago's Thanksgiving Dinner at the St. Vincent Center, 721 N. LaSalle St., took place on Nov. 27. The dinner is held for the homeless and the hungry.
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Archbishop Cupich at St. Agnes of Bohemia
Archbishop Cupich was the main celebrant for Mass on Nov. 30 at St. Agnes of Bohemia Parish, 2651 S. Central Park Ave. St. Agnes is the largest Hispanic parish in the Midwest.
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Blessing of the crèche at Daley Plaza
Members of the God Squad, a team of volunteers from Chicago-area parishes, set up the Nativity scene in Daley Plaza in downtown Chicago on Nov. 29. After the crèche was set up, Archbishop Cupich blessed the scene. This recreation of the scene of the birth of Jesus has been the sole religious expression of Christmas on a government plaza in downtown Chicago for 30 years.
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Committal service for the unidentified
A committal service for unidentified deceased persons was held on Dec. 4 at Mount Olivet Cemetery, 2755 W. 111th St. Archbishop Cupich presided at the service during which 20 unidentified persons and a number of unborn children were buried. Catholic Cemeteries of the Archdiocese of Chicago assists the county with the burial of the indigent and the unborn.
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Archbishop Cupich out among the people
Archbishop Cupich has been making his way around the Archdiocese of Chicago visiting the people. Here are photos of recent visits. We will update these photos regularly.
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Installation of Archbishop Blase Cupich
Archbishop Blase Cupich was installed as the ninth archbishop of Chicago during a Mass on Nov. 18 at Holy Name Cathedral.
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Rite of Reception of Archbishop Cupich
Installation ceremonies for Archbishop Blase Cupich began Monday night with the rite of reception at Holy Name Cathedral. The archbishop knocked on the door to the cathedral and was received inside to start the liturgy of the Word. Priests of the archdiocese, bishops, city and state officials attended the service along with interfaith and ecumenical leaders and around 100 members of the archbishop's family.
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125th anniversary of St. Catherine-St. Lucy Church and School
A Mass celebrating the 125th anniversary of St. Catherine-St. Lucy Church and School in Oak Park was held on Oct 19, 2014.
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Red Ribbon Week 2014
Students at St. Louise de Marillac School in LaGrange Park kicked off Red Ribbon Week on Oct. 20 with a balloon release in remembrance of those who lost their battle with drugs or alcohol. Students signed an agreement to stay drug and alcohol free.
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150th Anniversary of St. Mary of the Annunciation Parish
Cardinal George presided over the Mass celebrating the 150th Anniversary of St. Mary of the Annunciation Parish in Mundelein on Oct. 5.
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Red Mass 2014
Cardinal George clebrated the annual Red Mass on Oct. 7 at Holy Name Cathedral. The Mass is sponsored by the Chicago Catholic Lawyers Guild.
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Pet Blessings at St. Michael's
A prayer service was held at St. Michael's Church in Orland Park in observance of the Oct. 4 feast of St. Francis of Assisi, patron of animals. Parishes and schools throughout the Archdiocese of Chicago held pet blessings the weekend of Oct. 4.
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Mass of Atonement and Hope
The Mass of Atonement and Hope took place on Oct. 4 at Holy Family Church, 1080 West Roosevelt Road in Chicago. The Mass was to pray for the ongoing healing required for child and youth sexual abuse survivors, their families, the Church, society and for continued vigilance toward the protection of children and youth.
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100th Anniversary of Immaculate Conception Parish
Bishop Rojas celebrated Mass marking the 100th anniversary of Immaculate Conception Parish, 2745 W. 44th St., on September 21, 2014. The parish was founded by Lithuanian immigrants and now has a mostly Hispanic congregation. The Mass was celebrated in English, Spanish and Lithuanian.
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40 Days for Life
A procession and Mass launched the local 40 Days for Life campaign on September 24, 2014. 40 Days for Life educates people about the consequences of abortion through 40 days of prayer, fasting and community outreach.
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Nazareth Academy vs. St. Patrick High School, September 13, 2014
Nazareth Academy traveled from La Grange Park to meet up against St. Patrick High School in varsity football action at Hanson Stadium in Chicago on Sept. 13, 2014. The Road Runners kept their undefeated season alive with a 52-27 win over the Shamrocks in week three of play. This was St. Patrick's first loss of the season.
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Golden Wedding Anniversary Mass
The Golden Wedding Anniversary Mass was held at Holy Name Cathedral on Sept. 14. The Mass, hosted by the Office for Marriage and Family Ministries, celebrate couples who have been married for 50 years.
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Sixth Annual First Responders Mass
Notre Dame College Prep in Niles celebrated its sixth annual First Responders Mass on Sept. 10. Responders and officials from Niles, Skokie, Park Ridge, Morton Grove, Rosemont, Norridge and Chicago attended. At the end of Mass, each firefighter received a St. Florian medal (patron of firefighters) and police officers and other first responders or officials received a St. Michael medal (patron of police officers).
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Recent Events Around the Archdiocese
As we enter fall, life gets busier in the Archdiocese of Chicago. Here is a visual look at some of the recent events going on around the archdiocese.
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Theology on Tap 2014 Finale
Young adults engaged in a sand volleyball tournament in Gurnee following a Theology on Tap finale Mass with Auxiliary Bishop George Rassas at Our Lady of Humility Parish in Beach Park on Aug. 24. Theology on Tap is a Catholic speaker and conversation series for people in their 20s and 30s.
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Five years of praying for peace in our schools
Sounds of praise and worship could be heard at Oakwood Beach in the morning hours of Aug. 30 as more than 200 people turned out for a Mass to pray for peace in the City of Chicago during the upcoming academic year. This was this fifth anniversary of the services, which are normally held on beaches across the city.
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Congratulating Jackie Robinson West
Students from De La Salle Institute's band, baseball team, softball team and cheerleading team lined the parade route honoring the members of the Jackie Robinson West Little League team at 35th and Michigan on Aug. 27. The young baseball players from the south side won the national title last week. Students from Old St. Mary's also came out to join in the City of Chicago's celebration for the young athletes.
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Velika Gospa
The annual Velika Gospa (holiday of the Great Lady Mary) is celebrated by Croatian Catholics on the Feast of the Assumption. St. Jerome Croatian Parish, 2923 S. Princeton Ave., hosts the annual festival, which began in 1913.
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Respect Life Commissioning Mass
Cardinal George commissioned Respect Life coordinators during an Aug. 16 Mass at St. John Brebeuf Parish in Niles. The Mass marked the launch of the archdiocese's Respect Life activities for 2014-2015. To become involved in pro-life efforts contact the Respect Life Office at (312) 534-5355 or visit www.respectlifechicago.org.
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Blessed Sacrament Parish Carnival
A carnival was held at Blessed Sacrament Parish, 3528 S Hermitage Ave. on Aug. 17. Sts. Peter and Paul, St. Maurice and Our Lady of Good Counsel churches make up the parish.
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Prayer Service with Catholic Communities of the African Diaspora
A special prayer service with the Office for Black Catholics, the Black Catholic Deacons and the Catholic Communities of the African Diaspora was held on Aug. 8 at St. Rita of Cascia Shrine Chapel, 7740 S. Western Avenue. The service honored Cardinal George and his contributions to the black community.
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Prayers to End Violence
On August 1st, Parishioners from several West Side parishes gathered to pray for an end to violence in their neighborhoods. Following the prayer service, community groups shared resources on violence-prevention programs and how to get involved in violence prevention.
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DREAMer Mass at Fiesta del Sol
Claretian Missionaries USA celebrated its first-ever outdoor Mass at Fiesta del Sol, a four-day festival in Pilsen, Aug. 3. The Mass was dedicated to immigrants and DREAMers. DREAMers is a name given to someone who meets the general requirements of the Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors Act. These young people assisted in all parts of the Mass and their stories were printed on posters placed near the main stage and altar.
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Rosary Hill Home Butterfly Release
Residents and guests at Rosary Hill Home in Justice joined the Dominican Sisters for a butterfly release to honor loved ones living and deceased on July 27. Rosary Hill is a 60 bed, intermediate and sheltered care facility.
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2014 Annual Ramadan Dinner
Cardinal George spoke at the annual Iftar hosted by the Council of Islamic Organizations of Greater Chicago and the Downtown Islamic Center in Bensenville on July 15.
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Nightfever at St. Alphonsus
Nightfever, an evening of adoration, reconciliation, music and silence, was held at St. Alphonsus Church, 1429 W. Wellington, on July 19. Nightfever is an international evangelization movement where volunteers approach strangers on the streets and invite them into church to pray. Previous Nightfevers were held at Holy Name Cathedral.
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Annual Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish Festival
Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish's annual festival honoring their church's patron draws thousands from the Italian-American community for a novena, Masses, processions and a festival. Numerous families construct the memorials for deceased loved ones and participate in the procession each year.
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Annual Novena in Honor of Saint Anne
For the nine days leading up to July 26, hundreds of people gather at Our Lady of Fatima Parish and its Shrine of St. Anne. The parish, at California Avenue and Pershing Road in the Brighton Park neighborhood, is home to two first-class relics of St. Anne, the mother of Mary, and has hosted novenas leading up to her July 26 feast day for 115 years. Participants can come for morning Mass and the novena service, or afternoon or evening novena services on each of the nine days. Three times during the novena period, including on the feast day, they walk in a candlelit procession through the neighborhood.Why do these pilgrims think St. Anne will answer their prayers?Wayne Smith, who participated in the 2009 novena, put it simply. "St. Anne was the grandmother of Jesus, her grandson. If a grandmother asks her grandson to do something, he will listen."
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Monastery of the Holy Cross Altar Dedication
Cardinal George joined the Benedictine monks on the south side to dedicate the restored high altar at Monastery of the Holy Cross, 3111 S. Aberdeen St., on June 28. The monks reside at the former Immaculate Conception church, where today the monastery numbers five in Solemn Vows, two in temporary profession, and one novice.
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Eucharistic Procession for Fortnight for Freedom
A eucharistic procession through downtown began at St. Peters Church in the Loop as part of a Fortnight for Freedom event in the Archdiocese of Chicago on June 25. The annual fortnight campaign, initiated by the U.S. bishops in 2012, calls for a two-week period of prayer, education and action on preserving religious freedom in the U.S. The observance ended July 4, Independence Day.
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Nativity of St. John the Baptist
Illinois Area Knights and Dames of both the American and Federal Associations of the Order of Malta gathered together at Queen of All Saints Basilica in Chicago to celebrate the Nativity of Saint John the Baptist on June 20. Cardinal George was the principal celebrant of the Mass. Co-celebrants included Msgr. Robert Dempsey, Msgr. Michael Boland and Msgr. John Pollard.
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New Church for St. Raphael the Archangel Parish
Parishioners from St. Raphael the Archangel Parish in Antioch escorted the Eucharist in procession from the former church on 173rd to the new church being built at 40000 North U.S. Highway 45 in Old Mill Creek on June 28. The new building includes the façade of the now-demolished St. John of God Church from the South Side and the interior of the now-closed St. Peter Canisius Church on North Avenue.
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Let's Color Our City!
Youth involved with the focolare movement from several parishes in the archdiocese as well as other states gathered in Chicago for service service week under the theme "LET'S COLOR OUR CITY!" The event was part of Teens4Unity – Global Person Project, an international camp and mission trip which is taking place this summer in Latin America.
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Corpus Christi Eucharistic Procession
Parishioners from St. Ferdinand Parish, 5900 W Barry Ave, in Chicago walked during a Corpus Christi Eucharistic Procession through the neighborhood on June 22. A eucharistic procession is a traditional feature of the celebration of the feast of the Body and Blood of Christ.
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Canons Regular of St. John Cantius Ordination 2014
Cardinal George ordained three men to the priesthood at St. John Cantius Parish to serve the Archdiocese of Chicago in the Canons Regular on May 29.
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Priestly Ordination 2014
Cardinal George ordained twelve men to the priesthood for the Archdiocese of Chicago at Holy Name Cathedral on May 17. Five men are from the Chicagoland area, three are from Mexico, three are from Poland, and one is from Nevada.
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March for Peace
Parishioners from Holy Cross-Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, 4541 S. Wood St., joined members of the community in a march for peace on May 24. Chicago's Citizens for Change and Holy Cross-Immaculate Heart of Mary Church sponsored the march.
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Chicago Fire Department's Memorial Day Mass
The fire department's annual Memorial Day Mass and a roll call of all the members who died the previous year took place at Holy Family Church, 1080 W. Roosevelt Road, on May 26. After the participants left the church they gathered outside for a flag raising, a 21-gun salute and the playing of Taps. A parade of uniformed members down Roosevelt Road preceded Mass.
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Black Madonna
The icon of Our Lady of Czestochowa (the "Black Madonna") completed its tour through the Archdiocese of Chicago on May 16 at the Polish Mission Our Lady Mother of the Church in Willow Springs. As part of the "Ocean to Ocean" campaign, which began in Russia, the Black Madonna will continue its pilgrimage across the United States through November. The pilgrimage is being made in defense of life.
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Mother's Day Mass at St. Joseph Parish
A special Mother's Day Mass was celebrated at St. Joseph Parish, 4821 S. Hermitage Ave., on May 11. At the Mass, Auxiliary Bishop Alberto Rojas gave a special blessing to all mothers. A silk rose and medal of St. Gerard, the patron saint of expectant mothers, were given to all those awaiting the birth of a child.
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Varsity Baseball - St. Francis De Sales vs. Seton Academy, May 10, 2014
St. Francis De Sales High School came out on top against Seton Academy in a close varsity conference game at Gouwens Park in South Holland on May 10. The Pioneers defeated the Sting 12-10 in extra innings.
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A day to remember
First Communion at St. Ann Parish in Lansing on May 10.
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Local Catholics take to the streets, parishes to celebrate canonizations of two popes
Catholics around the Archdiocese of Chicago came out to celebrate the canonizations of Popes John XXIII and John Paul II on April 27, but for many, it was the latter pontiff who was the focus of the celebrations.
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Via Crucis
Photos during the Via Crucis passion reenactments in the Little Village neighborhood and on the South Side on Good Friday, 2014.
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Hispanic Charismatic Renewal
Photos from the biannual Hispanic Charismatic Renewal at the UIC Pavilion in Chicago April 26, 2014. The two-day event drew more than 5,000 people from several states and included speakers, music, liturgy and prayer.
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Veneration
Good Friday at St. John Cantius Parish.
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Girls Water Polo - Mother McAuley vs. Marian Catholic, April 14, 2014
Mother McAuley defeated Marian Catholic 13-5 in a varsity conference water polo match on April 14 at Brother Rice.
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Palm Sunday and International World Youth Day at Federal Plaza
Young adults gathered for prayer at Federal Plaza in downtown Chicago on April 13 in celebration of Palm Sunday and International World Youth Day. Pope Francis chose the beatitude, "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven," (Mt 5:3) as this year's theme. The group prayed the Divine Mercy chaplet, incorporating English, Polish, Spanish and Tagalog, as a reflection on International World Youth Day. The archdiocesan Young Adult Ministry Office sponsored the event.
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Lent 2014 Photos
Photos from around the Archdiocese of Chicago during Lent.
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Olympian returns home
Winter Olympian Megan Bozek, an alumna of St. Mary School in Buffalo Grove, returned to her hometown in Illinois to talk to the students, answer questions, pose for pictures and thank them for the video they made wishing her luck prior to the Olympics. Bozek played defense for the U.S. women's hockey team, which won silver last month during the Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia.
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Parish Leadership Day 2014
Parish Leadership Day took place at Guerin College Prep in River Grove on Feb. 22. Participants engaged in a variety of workshops on issues pertaining to parish life. The focus was "Families Fostering Faith, Prayer and Service."
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Rock the House
Our Lady of the Ridge Men's Club's annual pre-Lenten Boxing Show "Rock the House" in Chicago Ridge took place on March 1. The event has been a tradition at the parish for more than 50 years and benefits the school's athletic programs. All participants receive a first-place ribbons.
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36th annual African-American Heritage Month
Students from Catholic schools around the archdiocese attended the 36th annual African-American Heritage Month service on Feb. 26. The theme for the morning was "This is Our Story." Students from several schools portrayed African-Americans on the road to sainthood and internationally known Catholic artist ValLimar Jansen addressed the students.
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2014 Deacon Convocation
Nearly 600 Catholic deacons and their wives from around the archdiocese gathered for a convocation Feb. 21-23 in Schaumburg. This year's theme was "Pray Without Ceasing."
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Winter Frost Face-Off
The Carmel Catholic High School Corsairs tied the Notre Dame College Prep Icedons in a shoot-out during the Winter Frost Face-Off Tournament at the MB Financial Park in Rosemont on Feb. 16 in varsity hockey action.
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Archdiocesan Celebration of Consecrated Life
The annual celebration of consecrated life was held at St. Aloysius Parish Center, 1510 N. Claremont on Feb. 8, 2014. The day’s theme was “The Diverse Face of Consecrated Life in the Archdiocese of Chicago: All One in the Heart of God.”
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Celebrating Lunar New Year
A Mass was held at St. Therese Chinese Church in Chinatown on Feb. 2 as a special celebration of the Lunar New Year, which started Jan. 31.
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Catholic Schools Week 2014
Schools from around the Archdiocese of Chicago celebrated Catholic Schools Week, which started January 26th and ran through February 1st. Catholic Schools Week is an annual celebration of Catholic education in the United States.
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Becoming a sacred virgin
Marie Margaret Beccaloni became a sacred virgin promised only to Christ at St. John Cantius Parish in Chicago on Dec. 28, 2013
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Procession in honor of Epiphany
A procession of Polish Catholics from several area parishes made their way from St. Ferdinand Parish to St. Ladislaus in honor of Epiphany and the three kings on Jan. 12, 2014.
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Witnessing on downtown streets
The Chicago March for Life took place on Jan. 19. Participants gathered for a rally at Federal Plaza in downtown Chicago before marching to the State of Illinois Building for another rally. Speakers included Greek Orthodox Bishop Demetrios of Mokissos, Rev. Cesar LeFlore, founder of Chicago's African- American PowerLight Ministries and Congressmen Dan Lipinski and Peter Roskam. Also included are photos from the national event.
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Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe - 2013
Photos taken at the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Des Plaines during events to celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Tens of thousands braved the frigid temperatures to make the pilgrimage. Included are photos from the Antorcha Guadalupana (Guadalupe Torch Run), a visit by the Club Los Vaqueros Unidos (United Cowboy Club) and the closing Mass at the shrine on Dec. 12.
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27th Annual Archdiocesan Posada
The 27th Annual Archdiocesan Posada at Holy Name Cathedral took place on December 15, 2013. Posada, which means shelter in Spanish, commemorates the journey Mary and Joseph took from Nazareth to Bethlehem and reenacts the couple's search for shelter before the birth of Christ.
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St. Nicholas Parish Holiday Fest 2013
St. Nicholas was on hand to kickoff "Holiday Fest" at St. Nicholas Parish in Evanston by teaching the children about St. Nicholas and to light the parish Christmas tree.
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Back to School - 2013
Photos from around the Archdiocese of Chicago at the beginning of the 2013 school year.
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Praying for safety at sunrise
The Black Catholic Deacons of Chicago hosted six back-to-school sunrise prayer services to pray for nonviolence during the 2013-2014 school year.
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Prayers to St. Anne
For 114 years, the faithful have sought the intercession of Mary's mother at the Shrine of St. Anne located within Our Lady of Fatima Parish in Chicago's Brighton Park neighborhood. They come from all over, and year after year, to venerate her relic and offer prayers.
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World Youth Day Chicago
Hundreds of teens came together at a Catholic high school in Chicago Heights to pray, to learn about their faith and to be in solidarity with young people from around the world who came together at the same time with Pope Francis at World Youth Day in Rio de Janeiro. "WYD Chicago: A Midwest Celebration" included catechetical sessions, prayer opportunities and liturgy for teens in ninth through 12th grade at Marian Catholic High School July 27. Participants included members of youth groups from many Chicago-area parishes, as well as a contingent from the Archdiocese of Detroit, and groups from other Midwest dioceses.
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World Youth Day Rio
Millions of young people gathered in Rio de Janeiro for World Youth Day in July. It was Pope Francis' first international trip. By all accounts the event was joyous, spirit-filled and peppered with poignant words and gestures from the pontiff.
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St. Anthony Visits Chicago Area
Worshippers venerate the the relics of St. Anthony at St. John Bosco Parish in Chicago on June 16. Two relics (a rib and piece of facial skin) of St. Anthony of Padua were on a a nine-day tour of Illinois and Wisconsin, including eight different locations in Chicago. The patron saint of the lost, including lost things, St. Anthony lived from 1195-1231. The tour marks the 750th anniversary of the discovery of the Saint's relics by St. Bonaventure.
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Rest in peace, Father Greeley
A Mass of Christian Burial for Father Andrew Greeley was held on June 5 at Christ the King Church. Father Greeley, best-selling novelist and sociologist died May 29 at his home at the John Hancock Center at the age 85. Greeley authored 120 books, and was once called the most influential American Catholic sociologist of the 20th century. Led by Cardinal George, more than 40 priests and hundreds of friends and family gathered for the liturgy.
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Serving the U.S. for 100 years
On May 26, Cardinal George celebrated Mass at St. Pascal Parish, 3935 N. Melvina, to celebrate the Daughters of St. Mary of Providence's 100th anniversary of service in the United States. Photos by Karen Callaway, photo editor
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35th annual African-American Heritage Month Mass
The 35th Annual African-American Heritage Month Mass, a celebration by students, faculty and staff of the archdiocese's Catholic schools, was held at Holy Name Cathedral on Feb. 7. This year's theme was "G7", which means "God to the seventh power." Father Tony Ricard, a priest of the Diocese of New Orleans, preached on the seven principles ("Nguzo Saba"), tenets of virtuous living emphasized during annual Kwanzaa celebrations that are practiced all year long. The celebration highlighted African culture in music, song and dance, and featured a special choir made up of students from participating schools. Hundreds of elementary and high school students from archdiocesan Catholic schools attended.
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Annual Via Crucis on Good Friday
On April 6 members of St. Agnes of Bohemia Catholic Parish re-enact a traditional Good Friday Via Crucis, or way of the cross, procession weaving through the Mexican enclave of Little Village on Chicago's southwest side. Portraying Jesus Christ is Mario Ocampo. Several parishes around the archdiocese have Via Crucis processions on Good Friday. Traditionally, actors play the parts from Scripture and the lay faithful accompanies them along the procession route. Photos by Brian J. Morowczynski/Catholic New World
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Steps on the Guadalupe Pilgrimage to DesPlaines
Photo editor Karen Callaway spent the last four years documenting the eve of the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe from groups leaving their parishes and making the pilgrimage to the shrine in Des Plaines and back to their parishes again. This slideshow shows what goes on through the night during a pilgrimage that draws tens of thousands of people each year.
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23,000 teens, 3 days, one Lord
More than 23,000 youth from Chicago and around the country attended the National Catholic Youth Conference on Nov. 17-19 in Indianapolis, Ind.. The theme was "Called To Glory." The conference is a three-day experience of prayer, community and empowerment for Catholic teenagers (of high school age). More than 500 youth from the Archdiocese of Chicago attended.
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Catholic Grade School Conference of Chicagoland Varsity Championship 2011
Photos from the 2011 varsity championship football game in the Catholic Grade School Conference of Chicagoland between St. Agnes and St. Gabriel.
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Welcome Bishops Rojas and Wypych
On Aug. 10, Most Revs. Alberto Rojas and Andrew Wypych were ordained auxiliary bishops for the Archdiocese of Chicago by Cardinal George at Holy Name Cathedral.
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Chicago celebrates John Paul beatification
A traditional Polish color guard parades a statue of Pope John Paul II among parishioners at Five Holy Martyrs following a Mass in thanksgiving for the beatification John Paul II May 1. Parishes in the Archdiocese of Chicago celebrated the Polish pontiffs elevation to blessed along with the beatification Mass by Pope Benedict XVI in Rome. Here are some photos from Chicago-area Catholics marking the momentous event.
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Offering college students a spiritual home away from home
Catholic campus ministry is a bridge between the church and secular institutions of higher learning.
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Marking anniversary of Roe v. Wade
Catholics in the archdiocese joined others around the country in marking the anniversary of Roe v. Wade with Masses, prayer services and marches.
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Celebrating Christ's birth
Catholic faithful in the Archdiocese of Chicago commemorate the coming of Jesus' birth in various ways each year but with the same purpose: to honor the child Savior who came to redeem us all.
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In the season of the saints
Autumn is the season of the feasts of All Saints and All Souls. The following photos, taken during the late summer and fall, put on display the veneration of Catholics in the Archdiocese of Chicago for those who are saints, and show the efforts of those who are striving to become holy.
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Seven years in Chicago
Pope Benedict named Chicago Auxiliary Bishop Gustavo Garcia-Siller to be the new archbishop of the Archdiocese of San Antonio on Oct. 14. This slide show is a brief look back at the bishop's seven-year tenure here in Chicago.
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Father Tolton Pilgrimage
A group of 30 Catholics from around the archdiocese attended a weekend pilgrimage to the sites of Father Tolton's early life in Quincy, Ill., and Brush Creek, Mo. The trip took place Sept. 17-19 and was sponsored by the archdiocese's Office for Black Catholics, Bishop Joseph Perry's Office and the Tolton Program at Catholic Theological Union. Photos by Karen Callaway/Catholic New World
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Beachside services to end violence
Catholics attend beachside services to pray to end violence.
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Local Catholics mourn loss of Polish president
Thousands of Catholics of Polish descent living in the Archdiocese of Chicago mourned the loss of Poland’s president, his wife and 94 others who died in a tragic plain crash near Smolensk, Russia, April 10. The loss was keenly felt in Chicago, which is thought to have the highest population of people of Polish descent outside of Poland. Here is a look at the local remembrances held in honor of the victims.
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Marching, praying for life
More than 300 people from the Archdiocese of Chicago traveled to the nation’s capital for the annual march while Catholics here kept vigil and prayed for an end to legalized abortion. These photos chronicle the local and national pro-life events.
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Catholic Festival of Faith 2009
More than 7,000 Catholics gathered to learn, worship and celebrate their faith Oct. 16-17 at Catholic Festival of Faith at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont. The Festival of Faith, the third event of its kind in the Archdiocese of Chicago, included workshops and presentations for young people, families, Catholic school teachers and catechists and young adults, as well as sessions in Spanish and Polish.
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Cathedral distress
Holy Name Cathedral in Chicago faces roof repairs once again, this time from a three-alarm fire that broke out in the church attic in the morning hours of Feb. 4. Almost a year ago to the day, roof problems eventually forced the main building to close for several months for repairs. This gallery shows the problems at the prominent cathedral over the last year culminating with the recent fire.
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Remembering the Angels
Debris covered charred desks in this photo of a classroom in Our Lady of the Angels School. The Dec.1, 1958, fire at school killed 92 students and three BVM teaching sisters. Remembrance services were held throughout the archdiocese the weekend of Nov. 30 to mark the 50th anniversary of the tragic fire. (Catholic New World file photo)
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Back to School
At the end of August, more than 90,000 elementary and secondary students returned to schools in the Archdiocese of Chicago. We captured a few moments from those exciting first days of school for Catholic New World readers.
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Honoring Our Lady of Częstochowa
Our Lady of Częstochowa is a beloved image of Mary revered by Polish Catholics. St. Hyacinth Basilica hosted a coronation of that parish’s icon during a Mass and blessing ceremony with Cardinal George on Aug. 31. The gold crowns, which were affixed to the painted image, were fashioned from jewelry donated by parishioners. Polish Cardinal Stanisław Dziwisz also blessed the new crowns during a recent pastoral visit to Chicago.
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St. Anthony, Holy Rosary merge
On the weekend of June 28 and 29, members of Holy Rosary Parish on the far South Side closed their church's doors and became a part of the nearby St. Anthony Parish community, which greeted them with open arms and dancing in the streets. Following are photos of the transition.
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Pope John Paul II’s secretary pays a visit
Polish Cardinal Stanisław Dziwisz, archbishop of Krakow, spent three days making pastoral visits to Chicago’s Poles June 27-29. As a friend and long-time personal secretary to their beloved Pope John Paul II, Cardinal Dziwisz came to Chicago as a guest of Cardinal Francis George and Auxiliary Bishop Thomas Paprocki, the liaison to Polish people in Chicago.
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Behold, the Ark
On May 31, St. Stanislaus Kostka Parish unveiled its nine foot, hand-carved and painted iconic monstrance of Our Lady of the Sign, Ark of Mercy during a Mass on the feast of the Visitation. Cardinal George con-celebrated the Mass and blessed the new monstrance, which is believed to be the largest in the world. The monstrance will be the focal point of the future Sanctuary of Divine Mercy in the Archdiocese of Chicago.
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Celebrating Jesus in the Eucharist
Parishioners of St. Ferdinand Parish, 5900 W. Barry, marked the annual Feast of Corpus Christi with a procession through the parish neighborhood on May 25. Many European and Hispanic cultures customarily honor this feast with public eucharistic processions like this one.
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Welcome, new priests!
On a sunny Chicago day in a church filled with many smiles, Cardinal George ordained 11 men to the priesthood for the Archdiocese of Chicago. The May 17 ordinations took place at St. Juliana Church, 7201 N. Oketo, instead of Holy Name Cathedral, which is closed for repairs. The graduates of the University of St. Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary are a diverse group, with five from Poland, two from Tanzania, two from Mexico, one from Colombia and one from Ecuador.
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Come, Lord Jesus
More than 10,000 Catholics from Chicago, around Illinois and surrounding states, gathered in the University of Illinois-Chicago Pavilion on April 26 for the annual Hispanic Charismatic Renewal Conference. (The Charismatic Renewal is a lay ecclesial movement within the church that emphasizes gifts of the Holy Sprit and often involves praise and worship.) " It was beautiful, " said Norma Ibarra of the day. " The conference is always a point of gathering among us as Catholics and is something that transforms us and fills us with hope to carry on. "
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Christ Our Hope
During Pope Benedict XVI's first visit to the United States in April, Catholic New World staff photographer Karen Callaway was asked to be among a small group of photographers hired by Catholic News Service to photograph the pontiff. She had privileged access to our Holy Father. Here we take you through the moments she captured with Pope Benedict in prayer at the National Shrine of the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception and during the papal Mass at Washington Nationals Park on April 17.
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