Saint Attracta Church

Did you know a fallout shelter exists beneath a former church? This is Saint Attracta Church. It once served as a spiritual haven in Cicero. Saint Attracta Church was built in 1960. It showcased a unique butterfly roof. The church’s design incorporated lannon stone and brown brick. The entryway featured limestone panels and trapezoidal windows. Inside, a scallop-shell ceiling and pendant light fixtures created a tranquil ambiance. Stained-glass windows adorned the second-floor balcony. A mural of the Last Supper once graced the walls, now plastered over. The church’s architect was John L. Bartolomeo. Saint Attracta Church served the Irish community in the Grant Works district. This area was also home to St. Anthony’s (Lithuanian) and St. Valentine’s (Polish). The church, dedicated to an Irish saint, became a hub for the local Irish population. Unfortunately, Saint Attracta Church is no longer an active place of worship. It now houses Victory Outreach. This transformation marks a shift in the building’s purpose. It has transitioned from a spiritual center to a new community space. Yet, remnants of its past remain. The unique architecture and interior details hint at the church’s history. Saint Attracta Church stands as a reminder of Cicero’s diverse past.