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.
On May 2, Cardinal George celebrates Mass 2 in the Basilica di San Bartolomeo all'Isola for pilgrims who came to Rome from Chicago. The basilica is the cardinal's titular church.
Photo: Alicja Pozywio / Catholic New World