The Liturgy always brings life and growth. An historic landmark church having barely escaped the wrecking ball, the Shrine of Christ the King was an empty church with a gutted interior less than two years ago. Since then, through a whole program of liturgical, musical, artistic, and family events, the Shrine church has been steadily developing into a center of Faith and culture for Chicago and beyond.

One great sign of this remarkable growth was the Pontifical Mass celebrated by His Excellency, the Most Reverend Joseph N. Perry, Auxiliary Bishop in the Archdiocese of Chicago, on Sunday, October 11, and the administration of the Sacrament of Confirmation for the first time to members of the ever-increasing Shrine community. The Renaissance choral music was provided by members of Chicago Chorale, who sang beautifully William Byrd's Mass for Four Voices, as well as several works of other masters of sacred polyphony. After the Pontifical High Mass, His Excellency, Bishop Perry greeted the many faithful at a festive reception gratefully held in his honor.

After considerable planning and preparation, the early stages of the next phase of restoration work are soon to be underway.

Photos courtesy of ssmithphotos.com