Photos

Catacombs at Holy Trinity Polish Mission houses relics of saints

Society of Christ Father Andrzej Totzke, rector of Holy Trinity Polish Mission, 1118 N. Noble St., gives a tour of the mission’s catacombs on Aug. 28, 2022. The original catacombs were built as part of the church in 1906 and included the relics of eight Polish saints and a small tomb symbolizing Jesus’ burial. In 2017, the mission unveiled expanded catacombs with more relics and murals of Jesus’ life. Catholics who attend Mass at and participate in the many mission activities and groups donated their time and materials to renovate and expand the catacombs, which are meant to look like a cave. Members also donated all of the reliquaries. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
The entrance to the catacombs as seen beneath the church in the parish hall. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
Niches hold the reliquaries and relics. Members of the mission donated their architectural and construction skills to expand the catacombs and create the niches. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
An artist's rendering of Jesus as the Alpha and Omega as seen on a wall of the catacombs. A mission member who is an artist created the paintings on the walls. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
Relics encased in glass in the original portion of the catacombs, which were located behind the altar of the lower church and open to the public. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
Included in the original catacombs is this symbolic tomb of Jesus in repose following the Crucifixion. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
Relics of the first Polish saints installed in the catacombs over 100 years ago can be seen in the walls of the original part of the catacombs. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
Society of Christ Father Andrzej Totzke, rector of Holy Trinity Polish Mission, shares stories about the catacombs' renovation. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
The reliquary that contains a relic of Padre Pio. Mission members donated all of the reliquaries for the catacombs. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
A scene of the Resurrection is painted on the wall of the catacombs. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)

Advertising