Our Lady of Pompeii Shrine - Chicago, Illinois

(Photo/www.ourladyofpompeii.org)

Destination: On your next day-trip to Chicago, consider stopping at Our Lady of Pompeii Shrine. Not too far west of the Loop, the historically Italian parish is celebrating its centennial this year. It was designated a shrine on Oct. 10, 1994, by the late Cardinal Joseph Bernardin.
Masses are offered at 7:30 a.m. Saturday, 8:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. Sunday, and 6 p.m. Wednesday.
Why to go:  Though the parish is 100 years old, the church was built in 1923. It retains its original statues, artwork and marble.
The shrine is consecrated to Mary, Queen of the Holy Rosary, but it has special devotions to two other saints — Padre Pio and Mother Cabrini. The Padre Pio Prayer Cenacle is said at 6 p.m. on the first and third Wednesdays of the month. There are devotions to Mother Cabrini at 6 p.m. on the second and fourth Wednesdays.
It is the midwest center for the causes of canonization of Blessed Grimoaldo Santamaria, and houses a relic of him. The young Passionist seminarian was born in Italy, where he died in 1902. He had a special devotion to the Blessed Mother and the Immaculate Conception. He was beatified by Pope John Paul II on Jan. 29, 1995.
Special events: As part of its Summer Spirituality program, the shrine will host  a “Prayer Walk with Mary,” 9-10:30 a.m., Aug. 13. Participants will gather at Arrigo Park, across from the shrine.
On Aug. 28, it will hold its annual Festa di Tutti i Santi, parish festival, featuring a bocce tournament, picnic and other activities in the Italian tradition.
Access: The church is on a corner with parking available in the street. There are steps leading up to the front doors.
Shrine hours outside of Masses are 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday.
Group tours are available if you make arrangements ahead of time.
(Grand) Kid friendly: The church is next door to a school in a residential neighborhood. Children will need to behave as they would in any church.
Info: Address: The Shrine of Our Lady of Pompeii, 1224 W. Lexington St., Chicago, IL 60607. Phone: 312/421-3757. Web: www.ourladyofpompeii.org

- Compiled by Sharon Boehlefeld
Send your Catholic destinations ideas to seasonedobserver@rockforddiocese.org