Academy of St. Benedict the African blesses police

The Academy of St. Benedict the African in the city's Englewood neighborhood hosted its second annual end-of-summer barbecue to thank Chicago Police Department District 7 officers for keeping students and staff safe in the violence-plagues neighborhood. The event began with a prayer circle and blessing of police officers. The school’s students and staff have developed special relationships with District 7 police officers, particularly with Officer Mike Cleary, who has made daily visits to the school for the past 10 years. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)