Nativity BVM Church
6812 S. Washtenaw Ave., Chicago

There are two Nativity parishes in the archdiocese, one in the heart of Bridgeport and this one in the heart of Marquette Park. It was established as a national parish in 1927 by a priest and 15 Lithuanian laymen. After World War II, it became the largest Lithuanian Catholic parish in the free world and the area was dubbed, “The Lithuanian Gold Coast.”

The neighborhood has undergone change since the 1970s and residents are now mainly African-American and Hispanic. However, new Lith immigrants and former parishioners return from southern suburbs for liturgies and celebrations.

The present edifice was built in 1957, drawing on elements of unique Lithuanian folk architecture. Its stained glass windows depict apparitions of Mary including the Lithuanian Madonna of Siluva.

The Sisters of St. Casimir have staffed its school since 1929.