Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Chicago
Designed in Lithuania Folk Baroque Style
Many Lithuanians migrated to Chicago to make their homes. Their devotion to Our Lady of Siluva was such that in 1929 a parish in Her honor was established in the Marquette Park section of Chicago. The church, known as the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, has a copy of the Miraculous Image of Our Lady of Siluva over its main altar.
Members had a desire to build a new church, which would serve as a monument to their love for the Mother of God. So the Pastor, Rt. Rev. Msqr. George A. Paskus, made extensive plans to erect it. The new church, started in 1953 and completed in 1957, is of Lithuanian folk baroque style and Lithuanian folk art. The gold-plated replica of Our Lady of Siluva hangs over the main altar and a mural depicting the apparition of the Blessed Virgin in Siluva, artistically painted by Sister Mercedes of the Sisters of St. Casimir, is over one of the side altars. The church has attracted visitors from all parts of the country.
During the Octave of the Feast of Nativity in September, crowds flock to the church to pay homage to Our Lady of Siluva. Priests from Lithuania are invited to Chicago to conduct the novena services and on the Sunday between the 7th and 16th, there is an outdoor procession with much pageantry. All Lithuanian parishes in Chicago participate. This celebration honoring Our Lady of Siluva began in 1952 with the permission of Samuel Cardinal Stritch, under the direction of Mr. Anthony Rudis, and it is interesting to note that it has never rained during the procession.
Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Chicago, Ill. Rev. John A. Kuzinskas, Pastor.
Siluva Facts
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