Local Catholics ‘very happy’ about upcoming canonizations of Popes John Paul II and John XXIII

Parishioners at Five Holy Martyrs Catholic Parish attend a "Mass in Thanksgiving for the Beatification of the Servant of God John Paul II". The late Polish Pope was beatified at the Vatican earlier today, bringing him one step closer to sainthood. The Brighton Park parish received a visit from John Paul II during his visit to Chicago in 1979, where he celebrated mass at the outdoor alter now enshrined to his memory. The parish school also bears his name. (Karen Callaway / Catholic New World)

A traditional Polish color guard parades a statue of Pope John Paul II during an open air "Mass in Thanksgiving for the Beatification of the Servant of God John Paul II" at Five Holy Martyrs Catholic Parish. (Karen Callaway / Catholic New World)

(Karen Callaway / Catholic New World)

A catholic procession parades a statue of Pope John Paul II among parishioners at Five Holy Martyrs parish following a "Mass in Thanksgiving for the Beatification of the Servant of God John Paul II". (Karen Callaway / Catholic New World)

Tadeusz Kuczak wipes away a tear as parishioners from St. Hyacinth Basilica pray and sing in celebration of the beatification of the Polish pope at the Pope John Paul II statue located in the courtyard of the church following Mass. (Karen Callaway / Catholic New World)

Chicago Catholics stayed up through the night for adoration and to watch the beatification at 3am on jumbo screens at their parishes on May 1. (Karen Callaway / Catholic New World)

Parishioners from St. Hyacinth Basilica pray and sing following Mass at the Pope John Paul II statue in the courtyard of the church. A new sign was dedicated following the Mass designating "Pope John Paul II Ave." will replace Central Park Ave. near the church. (Karen Callaway / Catholic New World)