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.
CBS studios in Chicago, located across from Daley Plaza, broadcast live Pope John Paul II's beatification on its large outdoor screen for Divine Mercy adorers holding vigil at 3 a.m. downtown. A large image of Jesus of the Divine Mercy was on display in the plaza from Good Friday to Divine Mercy Sunday to mark the annual Divine Mercy novena.
Photo: Karen Callaway / Catholic New World