Here at Saint Pius Church, a tale of faith community and transformation unfolds. The story starts in 1874. Jesuit priests from Holy Family founded a mission parish for Irish immigrants. It was named in honor of the Dominican Pope St. Pius V.
St. Pius V became Chicago’s most westerly parish. Irish immigrants had begun pouring into Chicago and Pilsen. They found work digging the first canal connecting Lake Michigan and the Mississippi River. The newcomers also joined the ranks of laborers. They worked at McCormick Works.
The Jesuits built a frame mission church in Pilsen at 18th Place and Paulina. It was next to St. Veronica’s school. The school changed its name to St. Pius V School. As the neighborhood grew, the mission became one of two territorial parishes in Pilsen. Both served predominantly Irish families.
In the 1880s, the Jesuits left St. Pius V. Diocesan priests administered the parish until 1925. Then the Dominicans assumed responsibility. By 1920, many of the original Irish families had moved out. The neighborhood and the parish became predominantly Polish. Father Marchant O.P. provided a full range of services in Polish.
In 1884, construction of a new church began at 19th Street and Ashland. James Egan designed it in the Romanesque Revival style. It was completed in 1893. The church is distinguished by its smooth masonry. The arched entrances and windows are echoed in the rounded arches. The geometric designs on the facade are reminiscent of architect Louis Sullivan.
Services were held in the new basement hall starting in 1885. Work continued on the upper church. It was finished in 1893. That same year Chicago hosted the World’s Congress of Religions. Prelates from around the world attended the church’s dedication.
After the stock market crash of 1929, the Dominicans founded a national shrine. This was in honor of St. Jude Thaddeus in St. Pius V. It grew rapidly. Thousands of people were attracted. They came for devotions to the patron of hopeless cases. In 1939, an addition was built onto the church. This expanded the interior area dedicated to the Shrine.
Hispanics began pouring into Pilsen in the late 1950s. St. Pius V became the first parish in the neighborhood to offer Mass in Spanish in 1963. The adaptation was not easy.
Soon after Alex Kasper O.P.’s installation, the Dominicans assigned Spanish and Mexican-American Dominicans to work with Hispanics in the parish. Gradually St. Pius V developed an increasing openness to Hispanics. More Masses in Spanish were added. The parish sponsored English classes for Mexican children. They initiated social programs. These helped newly arrived immigrants to find housing, jobs, and community.
In 1972, Father Joerger installed a shrine to Our Lady of Guadalupe in the church. The shrine was with a mural painted by Edmund O’Brien.
In 1974, St. Pius V received its first bilingual pastor, Father Thomas Moore OP. He actively welcomed full participation of Hispanic parishioners. He organized the painting of a mural honoring St. Jude and Our Lady of Guadalupe.
Responding to a change in neighborhood demographics by 2000, most Masses and pastoral services were conducted in Spanish.
In 1987 St. Pius V invited the Chicago Legal Clinic to open an office. This provided low-cost legal assistance to local residents. In 1989, St. Pius V founded The Resurrection Project. It built affordable homes and managed affordable rental units.
St. Pius V continues to respond to the ongoing needs of the community. St. Pius V School provides an excellent academic experience. Our religious education programs serve hundreds of students.
Today St. Pius V stands as a testament to faith community and service. It welcomes all who seek solace inspiration and a sense of belonging.