In the heart of Chicago’s Little Italy, a cherished landmark has once again opened its doors following an extensive two-year renovation. The Shrine of Our Lady of Pompei, the oldest continuously operating Italian-American Roman Catholic Church in the Archdiocese of Chicago, has been meticulously restored to its former glory.
Before the official reopening festivities commenced on Friday night, ABC7 received an exclusive glimpse into the breathtaking renovations that have transformed this historic church. The grandeur of the newly refurbished shrine was unveiled during a celebratory Mass, marking the first such gathering since the church temporarily closed for its much-needed refurbishment.
Among the attendees were numerous donors and prominent Catholic leaders, including Cardinal Blase Cupich, the Archbishop of Chicago. Cardinal Cupich had the honor of blessing the altar, a pivotal moment symbolizing the renewed spiritual life of the Shrine of Our Lady of Pompei.
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For many, the reopening was a moment of awe and reverence. “Wow, unbelievable really,” expressed Andrew Velasquez, one of the attendees, capturing the sentiments of those who gathered to witness the church’s revival.
Dozens of donors were joined by Catholic leaders led by Cardinal Blase Cupich, Archbishop of Chicago, who ABC7 was told blessed the altar of the newly re-opened Shrine of Our Lady of Pompeii.
“Wow, unbelievable really,” Mass attendee Andrew Velasquez said.
The restoration made a strong impression on Velasquez. He doesn’t live there anymore, but says he grew up on nearby Polk Street.
“This is a beautiful church,” Velasquez said. “I made my first Holy Communion here in 1956.”
ABC7 was invited inside the Shrine of Our Lady of Pompeii for an exclusive tour alongside Father Richard Fragomeni.
:10 seconds from start of interview SOT Father Richard N. Fragomeni / Ph.D., Rector
“I hope they feel a breath of fresh air. I really do,” Fragomeni said. “I hope that there’s a sense of, ‘ah, there’s light.’
Father Fragomeni detailed the two-year process to update the church, and to also restore the interior to its Italian-American roots.
“The ancestors gave us these beautiful windows, and all we did was brighten them up by allowing the natural light to come in,” Fragomeni said. “There’s no lights on it here, so that we are bathed in the natural light of Christ, of God, of creation.”
For more than 100 years this church has served as a tribute to Italian-American immigrants, and though the demographics of this neighborhood have changed over the years, the church remains a place for generations of Roman Catholics marking life’s milestone moments.
“There’s this strong sense that this is still the mother church of where the Italians migrated,” Fragomeni said.
An old church is new again, leaving Catholics hoping for another 100-year run in the historic neighborhood.
“Just really put the spirit back in your heart to see this beautiful shrine come to life tonight,” Mass attendee Jeff Fizer said.
Friday night’s festivities were a closed-door celebration to thank the many donors who made the renovation possible.
Sunday morning will be the first celebration Mass open to the public.
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