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Saint Mary of the Angels is truly beloved by the neighborhood but also well beyond. It is a visible landmark to all who travel the Kennedy Expressway northbound or southbound. A look to the west at the Armitage Avenue exit provides a wonderful view of our Dome (now encased with scaffolding) plus two elegant towers. You cannot help but notice the resplendent church when traveling from other neighborhoods on nearby city streets or parks. It is visited by many on architectural tours and has been called “the finest example of Roman Renaissance architecture in the country.” For over 100 years, Saint Mary of the Angels has sat as a sort of ‘gate’ between Chicago’s neighborhoods and the City’s business center, a constant and steady reminder of God’s presence in our everyday lives.
With a suitable storied past stretching over more than a century, St. Mary of the Angels has weathered many a harsh Chicago winter of blizzards, high winds and ice along with punishingly hot summers. It became one of the great preservation stories of Chicago’s history when, in 1988 it was slated for demolition. Citizens, historians, private donations, and finally the efforts of the priests of Opus Dei and parishioners all worked together to save the Church.
Once again the Church is in need of significant repairs and renovations.
Funds are needed now to:
- Repair the dome
- Repair and plaster inside of church damaged by dome leakage
- Rebuild the parapet
- Renovate the South Tower
The cost of the work is upwards of $3.2 million (and possibly more for new-found North Tower falling debris.) We have raised nearly $900,000 to date. Please help restore this architectural gem serving Chicagoans daily.