St. Rosalie Church
4401 N. Oak Park Ave., Harwood Heights

Who was St. Rosalie? She was a hermit in the wilderness during the second or third century and became the patron saint of Sicily. Her statue stands in the sanctuary of this edifice dedicated to her care.

The only “wilderness” in this Northwest suburban parish is a golf course across from the church. In fact the edifice stands on land purchased from Ridgemoor Country Club in 1960. A multi-ethnic mix of worshippers insures a variety of Marian devotions, many in Polish and English. Even the parish mission is bi-lingual, as is the sacrament of penance. Its Polish parishioners settled in the area during the days of Solidarnosc.

Some occasions combine social with religious aspects, such as a bi-lingual Oplatki Christmas dinner. Its July carnival has deep roots here. St. Rosalie parishioners are often described as “peaceful and generous”—music to any pastor’s ears.

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