Churches in South Chicago unite to pray for peace in community

Father Pius Kokose, pastor of Immaculate Conception-St. Michael Parish, leads prayer during the start of the march. Parishioners from Immaculate Conception-St. Michael and Our Lady of Guadalupe parishes hosted a March for Peace on Oct. 4, 2024, with members of the South Chicago neighborhood to promote unity and prayer. Participants walked from Immaculate Conception Church, 8756 S. Commercial Ave., to Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, 3200 E. 91st Ave., while praying the rosary for peace in the community. Attendees are encouraged to wear white shirts as a symbol of peace. The Jóvenes Latinos Unidos Youth Group, composed of local youth ages 12-19, perform peace dances during the event. (Denise Duriga/Chicago Catholic)

Father Pius Kokose, pastor of Immaculate Conception-St. Michael Parish, leads the procession down Commercial Avenue. (Denise Duriga/Chicago Catholic)

Participants carry signs with messages of peace. (Denise Duriga/Chicago Catholic)

Participants wave white flags as they sing in the procession. (Denise Duriga/Chicago Catholic)

The Jóvenes Latinos Unidos Youth Group performs at the intersection of Commercial Avenue and 91st Street. (Denise Duriga/Chicago Catholic)

The procession stops at the intersection of Commercial Avenue and 91st Street. (Denise Duriga/Chicago Catholic)

Father Pius Kokose, pastor of Immaculate Conception-St. Michael Parish, greets members of the Chicago Police Department before the start of the march. (Denise Duriga/Chicago Catholic)