Photos

Our Lady of the Angels Fire never forgotten

Ninety-five people — 92 students and three teaching nuns — died in the fire that rampaged through the second floor of the north wing of the Our Lady of the Angels School near Hamlin and Chicago avenues, on Dec. 1, 1958.
A large crowd gathered to watch Chicago firefighters fight the flames at Our Lady of the Angels School on Dec. 1, 1958. (Chicago Catholic file photo)
A priest blesses a fire victim while Chicago firefighters look on. (Chicago Catholic file photo)
Archbishop Meyer visits Lucy Mardine, survivor of Our Lady of the Angels fire. With him are Sister H. Alumnda, P.H. J.C., administrator of St. Anne hospital, and Father Richard J. Birmingham, hospital chaplain. The Dec.1, 1958, fire at Our Lady of the Angels School, Chicago, killed 92 students and three BVM sisters, all teachers in the school. It led to changes in fire codes for schools and other public buildings and permanently changed those affected by it, its neighborhood and the city of Chicago. (Chicago Catholic file photo)
Over 7,000 packed Northwest Armory for children's requiem Mass in which Archbishop Albert G. Meyer officiated. Twenty-seven white coffins lined up before a temporary altar. Individual funerals were held at a later date. (Chicago Catholic file photo)
Accompanied by Msgr. Francis McElligott, archdiocesan director of cemeteries, Bishop Hillinger blesses caskets at Queen of Heaven Cemetery in Hillside. (Chicago Catholic file photo)
Franciscan Sister of the Eucharist Kate O’Leary distributes food during the monthly food give-away at Our Lady of the Angels Mission on Oct. 3, 2015. The mission operates a food pantry and various outreach efforts in the West Humboldt Park neighborhood, which often sees incidents of violence. For more, visit missionola.com. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)

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