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Our Lady of Sorrows Basilica

The church was declared a basilica by the Vatican in 1956.

Officially named as “The Basilica Of Our Lady Of Sorrows” is a Roman Catholic basilica on the west side of Chicago, Illinois. It is located at 3121 West Jackson Boulevard, adjacent to I-290.

The church was designated a basilica in 1956 by Pope Pius XII, who described it as “an outstanding place of devotion in America.”  Our Lady of Sorrows Basilica is one of the only three churches in Illinois designated by the Pope with the title of basilica. The other two being St. Hyacinth Basilica and the Queen of All Saints Basilica.

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. The church has been administered by the Servite fathers for its entire history. Ground was broken for the current building on June 17, 1890 and the church was dedicated on January 5, 1902. The Parish served an Irish and Italian congregation for many years. In the 1960s and 1970s the parish became predominantly African-American.

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The basilica was designed by Henry Engelbert, John F. Pope, and William J. Brinkmann.

The church was designed in an Italian Renaissance architectural style.

The church once had twin spires, one above each tower. One was lost in a 1984 fire.

 It features a barrel-vaulted ceiling that wraps around a high altar made entirely of Carrara marble.

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The sorrowful mother novena was a major devotion at the parish during the first half of the 20th century.

The church also houses the National Shrine of St. Peregrine, the patron of those suffering from cancer.

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As mentioned earlier, the church was designated a basilica in 1956 by Pope Pius XII, who described it as “an outstanding place of devotion in America.” Our Lady of Sorrows Basilica is one of the only three churches in Illinois designated by the Pope with the title of basilica. The other two being St. Hyacinth Basilica and the Queen of All Saints Basilica.
On the main altar one can see the Basilica Canopeum [on left] and tintinabulum [on the right side].

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Churches named basilicas generally are large structures with some kind of unique historical, artistic or religious importance and offer active pastoral service to their communities. They receive the honor from the pope, and display the “canopeum,” and the “tintinabulum,” both symbols to be used when or if a pope visits.

The Basilican Canopeum:
The first symbol of a basilica is the “canopeum” or “ombrellino”.  In English it is more properly called the pavilion. Only churches of basilican rank are allowed to possess and display this papal emblem. It is a large ornamental umbrella with alternating stripes of bright scarlet and yellow silk terminating in scallops of contrasting colors attached to a wooden umbrella. The silk canopy drapes beneath an ornate finial, a large ball topped by a cross, both in gold.

The Basilican Tintinabulum:
The tintinabulum or basilican bell is  another sign of Basilican status. Probably used in early times to announce the Pope’s arrival or a Papal procession, it is now ornamental. The small bell is enclosed within an elaborate baroque frame. The wood carving at the top surmounted by a golden cross includes the papal tiara and crossed keys.

 

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Perhaps one of the most impressive aspect of this basilica is the coffered vaulted ceiling – rich in details.

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6. To The East. The Seven Holy Founders Altar
The east transept is the altar of the “Seven Holy Founders” of the Servite order.It is backed by a mural of Pope Pius XII “crowning” the church with the honorific title of basilica. The church’s two original towers are visible in the painting.

7. To the west. Our Lady of Sorrows Altar.
Across the sanctuary, in the west transept another marble altar, clustered with biblical passion flower, honors “Our Lady of Sorrows”.

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The Pieta Chapel has a replica of Michelangelo’s famous Pieta. This replica was carved in Pietrasanta, Italy in 1917. It weighs over 6, 600 pounds. The original is encased in glass in St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome.

The Pieta Chapel is the site of former Baptistry. The stained glass window behind shows the Baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist.

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There are ten side chapels that line the nave. Five on each side of the nave. Each have their own dedication and altarpiece.

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8. St. Peregrine Laziosi Shrine and Chapel

At the National Shrine of Saint Peregrine, a Mass for the Sick with blessing of individuals with the relic of Saint Peregrine is celebrated on the third Saturday of every month at 11:00am. A Spanish-language healing Mass and blessing is held on the second Saturday of the month also at 11:00am.

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13. St. Philip Benizi, O.S.M.Chapel

Directly across from St. Juliana Chapel is St. Philip Benizi Chapel. it is erected in honor of the great saint of the Servite order. According to legend, St. Philip was offered papacy, but humbly refused.

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14. St. Anne, Mother of Mary Chapel

This chapel was the first of the ten side chapels in the bascilica to be completed and contains the oldest altar in the building. It was also the first to employ stained glass window as a significant part of altar piece. here the window forms a “niche” in which stands the statue of St. Anne and the Mother Mary.

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15. St. Therese of Lisieux Chapel/ “The Little Flower” Chapel

The Chapel was completed in 1933. The major decoration motif, appropiate for the saint called “The Little Flower” is roses. They are seen in the arms of carved angels, in altarpiece, in the stained glass window and in colorful Venetian mosaic.

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16. St Joseph, Father of Jesus Chapel

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RELATED LINKS
Places of Worship: Churches & more.. click here..
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