“Boże Zbaw Polskę.” “God Save Poland.” Do you see that inscription above Saint John Cantius Church? It speaks volumes about the history and the spirit of this magnificent place. Saint John Cantius Church stands as a testament to Polish immigrants. They arrived in Chicago and established “Expatriate Poland.”
In 1892, these immigrants wanted their own place of worship. They asked the pastor of St. Stanislaus Kostka for help. Father Vincent Barzyński recognized their need. He quickly bought land at Fry and Carpenter Streets for $75,000.
Adolphus Druiding designed Saint John Cantius Church. Construction took five years. The cornerstone was laid in July 1893. By December, only the basement was ready. The first Mass was held there on Christmas Eve. Archbishop Patrick Feehan dedicated Saint John Cantius Church on December 11, 1898.
Saint John Cantius Church has a striking facade of rusticated limestone. The design reflects the High Renaissance style. The Polish coat of arms is displayed. The inscription “Ad maiorem Dei Gloriam” declares its purpose. It means “For the Greater Glory of God.” This Jesuit motto was common on churches built around 1900.
The entrance features three Romanesque arches. Asymmetrical towers flank the entrance. One tower is 200 feet tall. The other is 100 feet. They were inspired by St. Mary’s Basilica in Kraków. Saint John Cantius Church stretches 230 feet long and 107 feet wide.
Step inside Saint John Cantius Church. Notice the Baroque interior. Eight stone columns support the vaulted ceiling. In 1903, the interior was first painted. Plaster and wood ornaments were added. Gawin Co. of Milwaukee created the stained-glass windows. Lesiewicz painted the interior murals around 1920. They depict religious scenes and Polish patron saints.
Look down. An inlaid hardwood floor was installed in 1997. Jed Gibbons designed it. Sixteen kinds of wood from around the world form inlaid medallions. The floor tells a story of salvation. The Star of David represents Jesus’ birth as a Jew. Three Crowns signify Jesus’ manifestation to the world. Instruments of the Passion symbolize Christ’s suffering. A Banner represents the Resurrection. A Star signifies Christ as the Light of the World.
In 2003, a replica of the Veit Stoss Altar was completed. Michał Batkiewicz carved it over eight years. This one-third scale copy honors the Galician immigrants who founded the parish in 1893.
Visit the north tower. A permanent exhibit of sacred art awaits. The centerpiece is a Neapolitan “presepio” from Rome. The collection includes a copy of Our Lady of Częstochowa. It has jeweled crowns blessed by Pope John Paul II. You’ll also find a crucifix from Portugal. A nineteenth-century Pietà from Bavaria is there. The exhibit includes a handwritten altar missal. Several hundred authenticated relics of saints are displayed.
Saint John Cantius Church has appeared in films. It was in “Johnny Ryan” and “Only the Lonely.” Documentaries have also featured it. “St. John Cantius: Restoring the Sacred” aired on EWTN. “Holy Ground” is a recent feature.
Nelson Algren mentioned Saint John Cantius Church in “Never Come Morning”. Steffi Rostenkowski heard its bells. They symbolized the isolation of city life. Saint John Cantius Church stands not just as a building. It stands as a symbol of faith, art, and Polish heritage in Chicago. Take a moment to appreciate the history and beauty around you.