Photos

125th anniversary of devotion felt like family reunion to many

Bishop Joseph Perry was the main celebrant for a Mass to celebrate the 125th Anniversary of the Feast of the Madonna Incoranata at St Therese Chinese Mission in Chinatown on Sept. 11, 2022. Every September, Italian Catholics of Santa Maria Incoronata assemble on Alexander Street in Chicago's Chinatown to pay homage to the Blessed Mother. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
This statue of the Madonna and Christ child, which was carved out of a pear tree and covered in plaster, is the centerpiece for the Feast of the Madonna Incoranata. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
Bishop Perry celebrates the Eucharist. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
Lucille Salerno and Jim Distasio pray during Mass. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
On both ends of the altar, Father Francis Li, pastor, St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta Parish, and Father Joseph Tito, pastor emeritus, pray while Bishop Perry elevates the cup. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
Bishop Perry distributes Communion during Mass. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
A couple lights a candle near the statue following Mass. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
Two women approach the statue to venerate it after Mass. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
Members of the Sicilian Band of Chicago play inside church after Mass. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
Lucille Salerno, auxiliary president of the Club Santa Maria Incoronata, gathers her grandchildren together for a photo after Mass. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
Members of the Gorfreda family pose for a picture by the statue after Mass. (Photo provided)

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