In a city with hundreds of churches, most of which are architectural gems, three churches in Chicago have been chosen by the Vatican as Catholic Basilicas. Two of Chicago’s basilicas have had this honor since they were designed, but the third was only chosen as a basilica in 2003 by Pope John Paul II one hundred years after it was founded.
Designation as a basilica can only come from the Pope, the head of the Catholic Church in Vatican City, and those chosen outside of the major basilicas in Rome are known as minor basilicas. To be considered for designation as a basilica, a church must meet certain architectural requirements. The basilicas of Chicago are just three of a large number of churches that are designed in the Roman basilica style.
Once chosen as a basilica, the church is given special provisions and preference over the other churches of the city. But, following the hierarchy of churches, the Chicago basilicas are all minor basilicas and recognized after the major basilicas in Rome. The following is an introduction to the three Chicago basilicas, a brief history on each, their architectural structure and a peek inside.
Our Lady of Sorrows Basilica, 3121 W. Jackson Blvd., East Garfield Park
Our Lady of the Sorrows parish was established in 1874 with the church being built in 1902. Till then, the Servite Order of priests served the community that consisted of mainly an Italian and Irish congregation. Over time the community has changed, as do most of the older neighborhoods in Chicago, and it now serves a predominantly African American community.
Our Lady of Sorrows Church was designated as a basilica in 1957, fifty five years after it was built. The architecture of the church is done in the Italian Renaissance style, with a single bell tower and columned façade, that is popular among the Major Roman Basilicas. Of note inside the church is the National Shrine of St. Peregrine, where cancer patients visit year round, and the altar depicting the seven holy founders.
Queen of All Saints Basilica, 6280 N. Sauganash Avenue, Forest Glen
Queen of All Saints Basilica is located in the City of Chicago, in the neighborhood know as Sauganash. The large basilica definitely has a huge presence in the neighborhood rising up among smaller buildings at the end of a long stately lawn. The parish was established in 1929, and today Queen of All Saints still serves a predominately Eastern European community.
The church is built in a modern Italian Renaissance style, with large slate grey stones. The church is the newest of all the basilicas in Chicago, being built in 1960 and almost immediately designated as a basilica in 1962 because of its grand design. The beauty of the church hits you the minute you enter the door and is truly inspiring, as a basilica should be.
A stained glass window at the entrance to the church shows the eight shrines to the Virgin Mary, walk through the cloister like doors and into the raised gothic hall lined with massive marble pillars. Not only is Queen of All Saints an important location to Catholics and the Church, but also to the City of Chicago. The baptistery marks the spot where the signing of the Treaty of Chicago was signed and is commemorated with a beautiful stained glass window.
Basilica of Saint Hyacinth, 3636 West Wolfram Street
The third and newest basilica of Chicago is the Basilica of Saint Hyacinth. Even though it has been a prominent and important parish in the Archdiocese of Chicago for many years it was just given the title of Basilica by Pope John Paul II in two thousand and three. Built in 1921, the architects had basilica status in mind when they designed the dominating Renaissance structure.
This basilica is especially refreshing when compared to the other large churches in Chicago because of its Renaissance, rather than Gothic design. Three cupolas tower over the congregation which are painted white and gold and adorned with large murals. In the center of the church a large stained glass fills the dome to light the interior. Be sure to take the time to walk around the entire perimeter of the church as there are several hidden murals, stained glass windows and sculptures by well renowned artists.
