For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. ---Ephesians 6:12
"The age of casual Catholicism is over; the age of heroic Catholicism has begun. We can no longer be Catholics by accident, but instead must be Catholics by CONVICTION." ---Fr. Terrence Henry TOR, Franciscan University of Steubenville
Queen of All Saints Basilica, located near the Peterson exit off the Edens Expressway in the far northwest side of Chicago, has eight different shrines devoted to The Virgin Mary as well as seven display cabinets containing dozens of Holy Relics (bone fragments of The Apostles, bits of different saints, small piece of Jesus' clothing, etc...). The style of this basilica is "modern gothic," and taken in altogether is breathtaking. Again, the photos don't do it justice. It has to be experienced.
 |
| What's a Catholic church without Knights? |
 |
| This room contains the baptismal font and lots of Holy Relics |
|
|
|
 |
| Holy Relics of The Apostles |
What could very well be the most beautiful basilica in the US, other than the National Shrine in DC (if you don't mind that
blond Jesus behind the alter),
St. Hyacinth Basilica leaves one (at least me, anyway) spellbound. From the ornate engravings on its large bronze doors depicting the
history of the basilica, to the bronze statues outside of Jesus Christ (with Sacred Heart) and John Paul II, the magnificent alter and inner dome, the building inside and out shows its Roman and Polish influences. Here are my photos that cannot possibly do it justice.
 |
| Looking up from the pews |
 |
| Some objected to the "modern art" style of this statue, but I think it grows on you. |
