St. Rita of Cascia Shrine Chapel -- Chicago, Ill.

Destination: For members of St. Rita of Cascia Parishes in Aurora and Rockford, their parish patron’s feast day is coming up on May 22. The national shrine dedicated to her is getting ready to celebrate with a novena, Masses and a blessing with her relic — but all of that is over 12 hours away in Philadelphia!

Fortunately, a small, peaceful shrine is tucked away in St. Rita of Cascia High School in Chicago, just an hour or so away from Aurora and Rockford. 

Novenas, Mass and confessions are held on the first Thursday of each month at the shrine, starting at 6 p.m. (confessions at 6 p.m., and novena and Mass at 7 p.m.). 

Photos: Top — Augustinian Father Jack Tierney welcomes visitors to the St. Rita of Cascia Shrine Chapel in a video on the shrine’s website (Observer screengrab/ Megan Peterson).

Bottom — One of the shrine’s mosaics depicts St. Frances Xavier Cabrini (Photo/ St. Rita of Cascia Shrine Chapel).

Why to go: The shrine was established in 1905 and moved to its current location in 1990. It has been served by Augustinian friars since 1907, who continue to serve the shrine and the school today. 

The shrine holds a mix of new and original art and artifacts. A reliquary holds a first-class relic of St. Rita  of Cascia. Hanging banners and stained-glass windows tell the life story of the 15th-century wife, mother, widow and Augustinian nun, known as the patron saint of impossible causes who aids those in times of difficulty.  

Mosaics and statues around the chapel also depict nine saints, including new saints like St. Pope John Paul II and St. Teresa of Calcutta. 

Admission: There is no cost to visit, though hours are infrequent due to the school schedule. An email list is the best way to find out about new events; sign up at https://tinyurl.com/4bcpy5rp or email shrine@stritahs.com with any questions. 

Accessibility: The school campus is designed to be wheelchair-accessible for students. Ramps and elevators (as needed) are present. 

(Grand) Kid friendly: The chapel is housed in a kid-friendly school already, so they are welcome! And, better yet, if your grandson has the opportunity to meet one of the friars, he may be opened to the idea of discerning religious life.  

Info: Address — St. Rita of Cascia Shrine Chapel, 7740 S. Western Ave. Chicago, Ill.  

Phone — 773-925-6600 (ext. 6626) 

Website — https://www.stritashrinechicago.com/

—By Megan Peterson, features/multimedia editor. Send Destination ideas to seasonedobserver@rockforddiocese.org

St. Mary of the Angels - Chicago, Ill.

Destination: Modeled after St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, St. Mary of the Angels is hailed as the one of the finest examples of Roman Renaissance architecture in the United States. If you’ve wanted to visit St. Peter’s Basilica, but travel costs and COVID-19 concerns continue to be obstacles, you could consider making a much shorter trip and enjoying the city’s parks, museums and more on the way.  

Mass is held at the church daily at 7 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. in the St. Josemaría Chapel. Weekend Masses are Saturdays at 8 a.m. (in the chapel) and 5 p.m. and on Sundays at 8 and 10 a.m., noon (Spanish), and 7:15 p.m. Confession is also available in English and Spanish 20 minutes before all Masses. 

One opportunity to visit and tour the church this summer is through a one-day pilgrimage to Chicago on June 17, hosted by St. Rita Parish in Rockford. More information is available in the April 22 edition of The Observer. Email marciegirolamo4@gmail.com with questions.  

Photos: Top -- St. Mary of the Angels is decorated in blue, rose and gold (Photo/ St. Mary of the Angels, by Eric Allix Rogers).
Below -- 26 roof angels, each 12 feet tall, are placed to imitate the 140 statues of the saints on the colonnade and exterior of St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome (Photo/ Eric Allix Rogers).

Why to go: St. Mary of the Angels Parish was founded in 1899 by the Congregation of the Resurrection to serve Polish immigrants fleeing political unrest. The church building was planned to be a model of Polish heritage. 

Construction began after World War I, when Chicago parishes focused on being part of one united Church, rather than “national parishes.” The church was then built to resemble St. Peter’s Basilica, the center of the Church, and was beautifully decorated in blue, rose and gold. 

When the Kennedy Expressway was built in 1960, many parishioners left, and the church was set for demolition in 1988. In 1991, priests of the Prelature of Opus Dei took responsibility for the parish and began restorations. The parish continues to grow.  

Accessibility: The entrance to the church has stairs, but a chair lift is available on the side of the entrance. The inside of the church is wheelchair-accessible. A parking lot is just south of the church on N. Hermitage Ave. 

(Grand) Kid friendly: All ages are welcome! St. Mary of the Angels Parish describes itself as a “family of families” and is closely connected to its school and students. 

Info: Address — St. Mary of the Angels Church, 1850 N. Hermitage Ave., Chicago, IL  60622
Phone — 773-278-2644
Website — https://www.sma-church.org/

— Megan Peterson compiled this story with information from https://www.architecture.org/learn/resources/buildings-of-chicago/building/st-mary-of-the-angels/. 

Send Destination ideas to seasonedobserver@rockforddiocese.org

Basilica of Our Lady of Sorrows National Shrine - Chicago

Destination: Chicago is home to three basilicas, one of which honors Our Lady of Sorrows. It is a popular destination for pilgrimages from the Rockford Diocese, but you can visit virtually anytime.
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

St. John Cantius Parish - Chicago

(Observer photo/Johnny Boehlefeld)

Destination: For a trip into the history of the Church, especially if you’re interested in the Polish Church that gave us Pope St. John Paul II, go no further than St. John Cantius Parish in Chicago. Whether you’re heading in for a ballgame or the theater on a Sunday, it would be worth going in early enough for Mass at the parish.
Masses are offered on Sunday at 7:30 a.m. — Latin Low Mass), 9 a.m. — English, 11a.m. — Latin; and 12:30 p.m. — Latin High Mass); Monday-Friday, 7 a.m. — English, 8 a.m. — Latin Low Mass; Wednesday, 7:30 p.m. — Latin; Saturday, 8:30 a.m. — Latin Low Mass; 5 p.m. — English.
Why to go: St. John Cantius (also known as St. John Kenty), born in Poland, was a special favorite of Pope St. John Paul II. St. John is a patron saint of teachers, students, priests and pilgrims.
The Chicago parish in his name was founded in 1892 and construction began in 1893. At its largest in 1918, it had about 23,000 parishioners and 2,500 children enrolled in the school. But the parish was buffeted by road construction in the city, and later by the Great Depression. but faithful Catholics continued to attend Mass there and support the parish.
In addition to the Latin Masses, the Church’s musical traditions remain alive at St. John Cantius, which has seven parish choirs that take part in Masses and prayers throughout the day.
Visitors may join the members of the Canons Regular of St. John Cantius in singing the Divine Office. (See website for times.)
(Grand) Kid friendly: As with any church, children are welcome.With some advance study (check http://www.sanctamissa.org/), a visit to St. John Cantius is a chance for kids to learn how Mass was offered “in the day.”
Info: Address — St. John Cantius Parish, 825 N. Carpenter St.. Chicago, Illinois 60642-5499
Phone — 312/243-7373
Website — http://www.cantius.org/go
— Sharon Boehlefeld compiled this story.
Send Destinations ideas to seasonedobserver@rockforddiocese.org

Divine Mercy Cross Stitch -- Monastery of the Holy Cross, Chicago

(Observer photo/ www.facebook.com/pg/ChampionShrine/)

Destination: A hand made cross stitch of the Image of the Divine Mercy, measuring 84 inches by 40 inches, will visit the Monastery of the Holy Cross in Chicago during Lent and through the Octave of Easter. The visit will culminate with Vespers on Divine Mercy Sunday, April 23.
Masses are offered at the monastery at 10 a.m. Sunday and 6:35 a.m. Monday through Saturday.
Why to go: The Divine Mercy cross stitch, was crafted by Brigitta Gedvillas (right in photo) with the assistance of her husband, Jerry, of Houghton, Mich., in the Diocese of Marquette in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. She began the work in 2005 and they finished in 2013. It contains 237 colors and 13.52 miles of floss. The computer generated pattern for the image consisted of 500 sheets of paper and 10 rolls of tape.
During the eight years of its fabrication, Brigitta faithfully prayed for the poor souls in purgatory as the 514,503 stitches of the image took shape.  Following in the footsteps of St. Faustina, who first received the image from Jesus in a 1931 vision, to make this mystery of His Divine Love known to the world, Brigitta  says she experienced great consolation and grace from God while enduring spiritual attacks on her faith and life from the devil, because of her cooperation with the dictate and desire of God: “My daughter, tell the whole world about My inconceivable mercy” (from the Diary of St. Faustina, # 699).
The monastery church will be open for private prayer and veneration of the Divine Mercy cross stitch from Ash Wednesday, March 1 through Divine Mercy Sunday, April 23, Monday through Saturday, 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., with Vespers chanted daily at 5:15 p.m. with the monks.
Public prayers scheduled on Divine Mercy Sunday, April 23, include Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament at 3 p.m., Chaplet of the Divine Mercy at 4:30 p.m., Solemn Vespers at 5:15 p.m. and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament at 5:40 p.m.
This extraordinary display of the Divine Mercy Image is free and open to the public.  All are welcome and invited.
Admission is free and parking is available on the street and on the monastery grounds.
(Grand) Kid friendly: Of course, but remind them this is a working monastery and that prayer is an important part of the monks’ lives.
Info: Address — Monastery of the Holy Cross, 3111 S.  Aberdeen Street, Chicago, IL  60608
Phone — 773/ 927-7424
Website — www.chicagomonk.org
— Compiled by Sharon Boehlefeld
Send Destinations ideas to seasonedobserver@rockforddiocese.org

National Shrine of St. Frances Xavier Cabrini - Chicago, Illinois

(Photos by Karen Calloway/Catholic New World)

Destination: After a decade-long closure, the National Shrine of Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini reopened last October. Italian-born Mother Cabrini became a U.S. citizen in 1909. Her canonization was marked by Cardinal Samuel Stritch and thousands of others at Soldier Field in Chicago on Sept. 22, 1946.
Mass is offered in the shrine chapel at 4 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. on Sunday.
Why to go: Mother Cabrini, the universal patron saint of immigrants, worked tirelessly to help settle Italian immigrants to the U.S., and especially to Chicago, in the early part of the 20th century. The shrine includes a museum that tells the story of her life and work, built around the preserved room in which she died. The 1955 chapel also has been preserved and its frescoes, statues, lighting and acoustics enhanced. Four alcoves allow for individual prayer. Outside, there is a new gated garden.
Be sure to download the Shrine Tour Guide from the website before you go. It provides details about the individual elements of the shrine.
In the photo, a visitor to the shrine prays at Mother Cabrini’s preserved bedroom.
Special events: This month, the shrine will host its first movie night. At 7 p.m., Jan. 25, “The Way” will be screened and viewers can take part in a discussion afterward. Reservations are required; for information send email to SFXCabrini@mssh.onmicrosoft.com.
Access: There is limited parking in a garage at 460 W. Deming Place. You’ll need to pull up to a pedestal at the garage entrance and buzz for admission; if spaces are open, you can park there.
Admission: Donations to support the shrine are always appreciated. The museum is closed on Monday, but is open 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday.
(Grand) Kid friendly:  Yes, but because there are many people visiting the shrine to pray, this is a place for the kids to visit quietly.
Info: Address: National Shrine of St. Frances  Xavier Cabrini, 2520 N. Lakeview Ave., Chicago, IL 60614 Phone: 773/360-5115.  Web: http://cabrinishrinechicago.com

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

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