Holy Family Statue

Gazing up at the Holy Family Statue, have you ever wondered about the church it graces? The Church of the Holy Family in Chicago stands as a testament to faith and resilience. It’s the second-oldest Catholic church in Chicago and a survivor of the Great Chicago Fire. This magnificent structure, envisioned by Father Arnold Damen, SJ, became a reality in 1860. Despite the financial panic of 1857, Damen’s fundraising efforts, fueled by small donations from immigrant families, secured $30,000 of the necessary $100,000. Designed by Chicago’s first registered architect, John Van Osdel, the church was dedicated on August 26, 1860. Over the following two decades, the church grounds expanded with fifteen additional buildings, forming the religious center Damen had envisioned. One of these was Saint Ignatius College, which eventually became Saint Ignatius College Prep and Loyola University Chicago. The story of the Holy Family Church and the Great Chicago Fire is remarkable. While on a missionary trip in Brooklyn, Damen learned about the devastating fire. He prayed to Our Lady of Perpetual Help, promising to light seven candles in front of her statue if the church was spared. Miraculously, the church survived. Seven perpetually lit candles, now electric, still stand before her statue in the east transept, a symbol of Damen’s vow. Interestingly, the owners of the cow rumored to have started the fire, Patrick and Catherine O’Leary, were parishioners at Holy Family. The Holy Family Church has witnessed significant changes throughout its history. By the 1890s, it was the largest English-speaking Catholic congregation in the United States, boasting over 25,000 parishioners. Its membership, initially largely Irish, transitioned to Italian, then Hispanic, and finally predominantly African-American. By 1987, however, the once-thriving parish had dwindled to a mere 150-250 members. Faced with demolition, parishioners and their pastor, Father George Lane, SJ, rallied to save the church. Their efforts, echoing Damen’s fundraising prowess a century earlier, included a prayer vigil and garnered support from across the country, including a $50,000 donation from Oprah Winfrey. They raised over $1 million by the end of 1990, ensuring the church’s restoration. The Church of the Holy Family faced near destruction again in 2003. A fire in the basement was detected and extinguished just in time, thanks to firefighters using infrared technology. The church stands as a beacon of hope and resilience, continuing to serve the community and forging strong ties with the alumni of Saint Ignatius College Prep.