Here at the St. John Paul II Newman Center at UIC, students find a home away from home. This is a place for spiritual growth and community. The St. John Paul II Newman Center is located at 700 S Morgan Street. It sits right across from UIC’s Richard J. Daley Library.
The St. John Paul II Newman Center offers various opportunities. Students of all faiths can find something here. They can study. They can play ping pong. They can also eat, drink coffee, or tea at Cor Coffee. It is the center’s in-house coffee shop. Students hang out with friends and engage in conversations. Bible studies are also popular.
Catholic students attend daily and Sunday Masses. Mass is at 12 PM Monday through Friday. Sunday Mass is at 11 AM. Eucharistic Adoration is another key offering. It takes place from 8 AM to 9 AM on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. On Wednesdays, it is from 4 PM to 5 PM. Confession is available an hour before every Mass.
But how does St. John Paul II tie into Chicago? In October 1979, Pope John Paul II visited Chicago. The city erupted in excitement. His visit impacted Catholics and others. City officials and faith leaders united in cooperation. Thousands gathered to see him.
John Paul II was not the first pope to visit the United States. Pope Paul VI visited in 1965. However, John Paul II had a special connection with Chicago. He had visited Chicago’s Polish neighborhoods before. He came in 1969 and 1976 as Cardinal Wojtyla.
Elected pope in 1978, John Paul II was unique. He was the first non-Italian pope in 500 years. He was also the youngest in over a century at 58. His energy earned him the nickname Cyclone Wojtyla.
In 1979, he announced his visit to the United States. John Cardinal Cody invited him to Chicago. Chicago had the largest Polish population outside Poland. The Archdiocese of Chicago was also the most populous in the United States.
The city prepared in 21 weeks. Mayor Jane Byrne ordered the Park District to work day and night. They built a space for the Pope in Grant Park. Cardinal Cody formed committees for the procession and Papal Mass.
The Pope’s plane had special accommodations. Trans World Airlines prepared a special menu. Local businesses felt the Pope’s impact. Many offered souvenirs. Some catered to the Pope.
During his visit, John Paul II stayed at the Archbishop’s Mansion. He enjoyed dinners catered by the Drake Hotel. Others offered services freely. These included wineries, bakeries, and chauffeurs. Walter Kuczak offered sausages from his Polish deli.
Gast Monuments made a granite slab. It featured the Pope’s likeness. Cardinal Cody placed it in the Archbishop’s residence. It commemorated the Pope’s visit.
The Pope’s motorcade went through the Northwest Side. Crowds gathered on Milwaukee Avenue. He visited Providence of God in Pilsen. He met with the Hispanic community. He praised the Campaign for Human Development.
He then visited the Polish community. He celebrated Mass at Five Holy Martyrs. He asked the crowd to offer their heritage. He referenced Revolutionary War heroes Kosciuszko and Pulaski.
John Paul II also visited Quigley Preparatory Seminary South. He made three public addresses. He also met with the USCCB. He encouraged seminarians to nourish their spirits.
His Grant Park Mass was the largest in Chicago. Over 200000 people attended. The altar was built specifically for the event. Buckingham Fountain was a backdrop. He focused on evangelization and unity.
The visit lasted only 40 hours. Yet, it united the city. It gave Catholics a connection to their faith. It affirmed their aspirations. Chicagoans reflected on their faith together.
The Archdiocese ran an essay contest. The question was about the spiritual benefits of attending the Papal Mass. Catholic schools created welcome albums for the Pope. Students shared their interests.
The Pope’s visit brought wonder and excitement. It also provided spiritual energy. People asked for blessings. They felt important because the Pope came to see them. Even a brief encounter uplifted Chicago Catholics. They felt God was in their midst. The St. John Paul II Newman Center keeps this spirit alive.