Photos

St. Peter's in the Loop marks 175th anniversary

St. Peter's Church in the Loop celebrated the closing Mass of its 175th anniversary with Cardinal Cupich as the principal celebrant on Aug. 14, 2022. The year-long anniversary included concerts, art exhibitions and presentations. St. Peter's transitioned from being a German national parish staffed by diocesan priests to what is essentially an urban mission led by Franciscans, serving mostly downtown workers during the week and tourists on the weekends. Ash Wednesday services draw thousands of people each year. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
Clergy process into the church. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
An overall view of St. Peter’s from the baptismal font. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
Franciscan Father Michael Fowler, pastor, blesses the congregation with holy water. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
Franciscans participate in Mass. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
Kathy Childs proclaims a reading during Mass. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
Cardinal Cupich leads a prayer. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
Joined by Franciscans serving at St. Peter’s, former pastor, Franciscan Father Ed Shea claps after the cardinal’s homily. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
Cardinal Cupich incenses the altar. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
A worshipper follows along in the anniversary program. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
Franciscan Father Michael Fowler, pastor, joins Cardinal Cupich at the altar. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
Parishioners sing during the final procession. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
A giant crucifix designed by Latvian sculptor Arvid Strauss and executed by Chicago artist J. Watts is often referred to as “Christ of the Loop” and is on the exterior of the church. It is an iconic fixture on Madison in downtown Chicago. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)

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