This parish stands on an island on Chicago’s East Side, flanked by the Calumet River and Lake Michigan, intersected by four bridges.

Its ministry also builds “bridges” to a variety of cultures. It was organized in 1903 to serve Slovenian immigrants working in the steel mills in South Chicago.

A large red brick edifice was built in 1904, designed by William J. Brinkman with three bells in its steeple that still peal today. Now the mills are closed and young Hispanic families have become its newest residents.

Our Lady’s significance is reflected here in both Slovenian and Hispanic art. The Feast of St. George (a statue in armor graces a center niche in the altar) and outdoor Living Stations of the Cross in Holy Week also reflect its diversity. Its rebuilt 14-rank Delle pipe organ contains a portion of the original instrument donated by Andrew Carnegie in 1906.

This charming church with barreled ceiling, medallion windows and poignant stations of the cross will be 100 in 2003.

Pastor: Father Arturo Perez-Rodriguez
Masses: Saturdays 5 p.m./ Sundays 9 and 11 in English; 1:30 p.m. in Spanish
Seating capacity: 400
Phone: (773) 734-0554

Photo by Sandy Bertog