Day 46

December 20, 2019

Pictured here is the Monastery of the Holy Cross on 31st Street in Bridgeport. In 1991 Cardinal Bernadine invited the Monastery to join the Chicago Archdiocese and make use of the old Immaculate Conception church which had been closed, along with several other Roman Catholic Churches in the city, since 1989. The Benedictine monks renovated the church and other buildings. Presently, in order to cover the monastery’s maintenance, they run a B&B from within its walls. They have also released two CD’s of Gregorian chants.

The original building, the Immaculate Conception church was built in 1909. Designed in the Gothic style by Herman J. Gaul and Albert J. Fischer. At the time the parish was comprised of mainly German immigrants.

Presently there are several churches within walking distance from each other in this Chicago neighborhood. Unfortunately the churches are normally closed outside of scheduled services.