Chicago in Illinois is a dream city to explore for some. With its skyscrapers, music, and cuisine, people consider it a perfect tourist destination. Aside from these, Chicago is also famous for its Catholic heritage which is visible in its Churches including Shrines and other religious centers. In this blog post, we will list some of the most beautiful Catholic Churches in Chicago. These holy sanctuaries are your go-to places for spiritual renewal and growth.
Here are some of the must-visit Catholic Churches in Chicago.
Holy Name Cathedral
Let’s start our tour with Holy Name Cathedral. Located at 735 North State Street, Chicago, Illinois, it is the seat of the Archdiocese of Chicago. Built in 1874, it has been on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places since 2000. It has a Gothic Revival Architectural Style. At the entrance, the intricate stone wall and rose window will welcome you. On the inside, there is an eye-catching suspended Resurrection Crucifix. Adorning the nave walls are the Stations of the Cross. Above the Cathedral are intricate panels of the Holy Name. It also has fine pipe organs that are used in services. In addition, stained-glass windows and sculptures inside are stunning. The interior will blow your mind. This is truly a must-visit Catholic Church in Chicago!
St. Mary of the Angels Church
Our next stop is St. Mary of the Angels. Founded and completed in 1899 and 1920, respectively, this Church located at 1850 North Hermitage Avenue in Chicago is an example of a Polish Cathedral Style structure. Just like the Basilica of St. Josaphat in Milwaukee, its design’s inspiration is St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. It features a brick edifice with twin bell towers and a dome. The Church is filled with magnificent decorations and paintings. There are also great stained-glass windows and statues. The outside and inside looks are just aesthetically pleasing. Additionally, this Church celebrates reverent Masses. If you are in Chicago, this is a must-see historic sacred spot.
St. John Cantius Church
Another Polish Cathedral style Church on our list is St. John Cantius. Located at 825 North Carpenter Street Chicago, Illinois, it was founded in 1893 and completed in 1898. Outside, it has a high renaissance style stone facade and a pediment at the top. The interior is in Baroque style. There are columns supporting the vault. There are also beautiful stained-glass windows and murals which date back to 1920. On the main Altar is a painting of the Resurrection. There are also paintings of the Polish Patron Saints on the side walls. The Church celebrates Mass in Extraordinary Rite so expect worshipful liturgies. The whole Church exudes tradition making it admirable. A Chicago gem that should be on your bucket list!
St. Michael’s Church
Our next holy destination is St. Michael’s Church. Located in the Old Town section of Chicago, this was once the tallest building in Chicago and the United States until 1885. The Parish foundation was due to the need to minister to the German immigrants in 1852. The Church is under the care of the Redemptorist Order. It has red sandstone brick walls that look gorgeous. Inside, there is a spacious 200-foot-long interior which makes this Church famous site for weddings and other services. It also has five (5) fine-looking Altars namely the Family Altar, Our Mother of Perpetual Help Altar, High Altar of Angels, Poor Souls Altar, and Sacred Heart Altar. There is also a Kilgen Organ that has been installed since 1925. This Church is just worth your visit!
St. Wenceslau Church
St. Wenceslau Church is situated at 3400 North Monticello Avenue in Chicago Illinois. It was founded in 1912 and built-in 1942. It has been under the care of the Congregation of the Resurrection since 2000. The Church’s design is a combination of Romanesque and Byzantine. The walls are made of bricks. There are two (2) angel sculptures looming over the facade at the entrance. The main feature of the Church is its notable main Altar. It also shelters its most popular asset, the mosaics of the Stations of the Cross lining the sides of the Church’s interior. Lastly, it has impressive stained-glass windows. A fantastic art deco treasure in the city. Worthy of your visit!
St. Peter’s Church
Located at 110 W. Madison in Chicago’s loop neighborhood is the new St. Peter’s Church. Built in 1953, it was originally on the West side of Chicago. Currently, it serves loop workers and travelers. The front facade has a huge crucifix titled Christ of the Loop. It emphasizes the gothic arch in the center of the facade in front of a stained-glass window. There are marble panels showing the life of St. Francis on the Church’s walls. It also holds some of the most remarkable sculptures such as the replica of Pieta and Nacre depicting the Last Supper. The Altar is uniquely marvelous. There are also Stations of the Cross paintings. Although not a typical traditional-looking Church, it is still Chicago’s pilgrim site that you should check out.
St. Alphonsus Church
Last but not least on our list is St. Alphonsus Church. Located at 1429 W Wellington Ave., Chicago, it was founded in 1882 by the Redemptorist Fathers, serving an enormous German population. It has been a prominent landmark of the six-way intersection of Lincoln, Wellington, and Southport because of its tall central bell tower clad. Its interior is in a Gothic Revival style showcasing a royal blue ceiling. It also has rich murals, statuary, and stained-glass windows. Aside from these, the Church also prides its choir which is excellent in liturgical music leading the parishioners to inspirational hymns and songs. This is absolutely a sanctuary to see!
Conclusion
There you have the most beautiful Catholic Churches in Chicago!
Chicago is one of the historic US cities. It is apparent because of its Catholic Churches that stood the test of time. These holy sites are the best reminders of the past that help its people to honor their roots.
May you have a fruitful journey.
Pray, travel, and enjoy!
For more Catholic travels, you can check this out.
