Chicago, Illinois: Shrine of Christ the King Sovereign Priest
About the Shrine of Christ the King, Sovereign Priest:
Housed in what was once Saint Gelasius Church, it is located next to Hyde Park, Chicago. This magnificent old Church had originally been built as the first national Shrine of Saint Therese of Lisieux. In recent years the population declined and, in addition, a fire in 1976 destroyed much of the interior.
The Church was in danger of being demolished; however, due to the success of the restoration of Saint Mary’s Church in Wausau, Wisconsin by the Institute of Christ the Sovereign King, Cardinal Francis George entrusted Saint Gelasius Church in Chicago to the Institute.
The Institute has Churches throughout the world offering the Latin Mass.
Restoration work was on-going through 2015, and was expected to take several years and cost about $7 million, all of which to be raised by the Institute. Plans were to pattern the interior after the Baroque churches of Rome.
As the Church building was being revived, so, too, was the neighborhood which had new-found life.
However, on October 7, 2015, a fire broke out that extensively damage the building. The roof collapsed and it is not fit for use.
Once again the church was scheduled to be demolished, but due to the efforts of many, the building has been deeded over from the Archdiocese of Chicago and will be re-built. Donations are gratefully accepted to help in this effort.
In addition, the Shrine was home to the great devotion to the Infant King, housing an 18th century statue from Spain. The devotion is held on the 25th of each month, commemorating the Christ Child’s birth.
Traveling to the Shrine of Christ the King Sovereign Priest:
Address: 6415 South Woodlawn Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60637-3817
GPS coordinates: 41° 46′ 41.3220” N, 87° 35′ 45.6936” W
Tel: +1 (773) 363-7409 Fax: +1 (773) 363-7824
e-mail: shrine@institute-christ-king.org
Click here for the official website for the Shrine of Christ the King Sovereign Priest in Chicago. This will have the latest information on where Masses will be celebrated during the re-construction process.
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