“That all may be one.” This mantra guided St. Francis Xavier. Let’s step back in time to explore the story of Saint Francis Xavier Church in Chicago.
Established in 1888 as a mission of St. Aloysius, Saint Francis Xavier Church began at Warsaw Avenue. Now known as Nelson Street this location marked the start of its journey. Saint Francis Xavier served as a beacon of faith in Logan Square.
In 1991 Saint Francis Xavier’s parochial school closed. The parish merged with St. Veronica. The merged parish was renamed Resurrection parish. Saint Francis Xavier became the sole parish church.
Following the merger, Cardinal Archbishop Joseph Bernardin appointed Daniel Montalbano pastor. An iteration of the “gay pride” flag was hung over the crucifix. This act stirred controversy within the parish.
Later in the 1990s Montalbano was found dead. He was in the rectory connected to a sex machine. Montalbano had hidden homosexual pornography in the rectory.
In 2018 a flag was found in storage. Parishioners burned the hate symbol in the church parking lot. Pastor Father Paul Kalchik was present. The burning caused local media coverage. Politicians expressed outrage and parish staff received death threats. Archbishop Blase Cupich sent Mark Bartosic to commit Kalchik to a mental hospital. Kalchik refused and fled into exile.
Effective July 1, 2021, Resurrection parish was extinguished. It united with Our Lady of Mercy parish. This occurred under the archdiocese’s “Renew My Church” campaign. The decision cited several metrics including seating capacity. Pre-pandemic average Sunday mass attendance was also considered.
The church is now called the Chapel of Saint Francis Xavier. As of December 2022, the parish bulletin showed an active liturgical schedule. Daily masses occurred. Two masses one in English and one in Spanish were held on Sundays.
Saint Francis Xavier’s history is complex. It includes periods of growth merger controversy and ultimately transformation. Today the Chapel of Saint Francis Xavier continues to serve its community. It offers daily masses and Sunday services. The story of Saint Francis Xavier Church reflects the evolving landscape of faith and community.