Masses in the basilica are offered Sundays at 8:30 and 10:30 a.m.; weekdays at 8:30 a.m.; and Saturdays at 11 a.m. Check the website for holy day and holiday Masses.
Why to go: The Parish of Our Lady of Sorrows was founded in 1874 by three Servants of Mary (Servites). Fathers Austin Morini and Andrew Venturi, and Brother Joseph Camera. Bishop Thomas Foley of the Chicago Diocese approved their plans. At the time, the 11 counties of today’s Rockford Diocese were still a part of the Chicago Diocese.
Within the year, a brick church 102 feet long, 38 feet wide, and two stories high stood on a plot of land on the city’s west side. Midnight Mass was held there on Christmas Eve, 1874.
On June 17, 1890, ground was broken for today’s Italian Renaissance-style church. Though marred by fire in 1984, ongoing restoration has maintained the beauty of the church.In 1956, Pope Pius XII granted to Our Lady of Sorrows National Shrine the title of basilica.
Photos: The interior (above) of the Basilica of Our Lady of Sorrows and its Lyon and Healy organ console (left).
Events: Among other regular events, a St. Peregrine Mass and blessing is held the second and third Saturdays at 11 a.m. in the basilica.
Every Sunday the Via Matris, The Way of Our Sorrowful Mother, novena is recited at 10 a.m. before 10:30 a.m. Mass.
In September, the basilica hosted a gala organ recital celebrating the restoration of its Grand 1902 Lyon and Healy Basilica Symphonic pipe organ, which was made in Chicago. Watch the website for other music events.
(Grand) Kid friendly: Of course.
Info: Address — Our Lady of Sorrows National Shrine, 3121 W. Jackson Blvd., Chicago, IL 60612
Phone — 773) 638-0159
Website — http://www.ols-chicago.org/
— Sharon Boehlefeld compiled this story.
Send Destinations ideas to seasonedobserver@rockforddiocese.org
