Churches at Christmas: St. Hedwig

In Chicago’s Bucktown neighborhood

Built in 1888, St. Hedwig is one of Chicago’s most beautiful churches.

St. Hedwig has an interesting history. In the late 19th century it was the site of the Pepper Riot, which was caused by church politics. Come back for the whole story.

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Seventh and Eighth Days of Christmas

Sixth Day of Christmas

Sixth Day of Christmas

Second Day of Christmas

Nativity, St. Mary of the Angels

St. Ita’s Chicago

Merry Christmas

www.bible.com/72/isa.9.6.hcsb

Verse of the Day

www.bible.com/72/jhn.1.14.hcsb

Christmas is Coming

www.bible.com/72/mat.1.21.hcsb

Verse of the Day

www.bible.com/72/isa.7.14.hcsb

Deo Gratias

Deo Gratias is Latin for “Thanks be to God.” Remembering to give thanks for all of our blessings, big and small, helps us to find God in our everyday moments and gives us an attitude of gratitude! Colleen at Thoughts on Grace has organized this meme and you can contribute by clicking here. This week I’m thankful for:

• A warm house on these cold days. It’s frigid outside and I know some people must battle the cold in the winter. I’m grateful to have a warm, cosy home.
• The Joy of the Gospel by Pope Francis. I saw this book on the new book shelf at my library and had to check it out. I’ve read about 20% of it and love it. It’s full of wisdom and challenges for Catholics. I really think every Catholic should read it and it would be best if each parish hosted a discussion group about the book.
• The quiet of the post Christmas season. I’ve become grateful for the days after Christmas that are quiet and still close to the holiday. The nativity is still fresh in my mind and something I can reflect on as our home decorations are still up. Sad to say, but in December Christmas gets lost in the shuffle all too often. Now that the shopping and secular holiday thrills are gone, I feel I can savor the most important aspects of Christmas.
• Christmas hymns. This is the best season for singing at mass. I love all the songs: O Come, O Come Emmanuel, Silent Night, O Come All Ye Faithful, The First Nowell, etc.
• Old friends. I’ve been able to meet up with a few old friends now that I’m back in the US. It’s a joy to chat and share with people I’ve known so long.