Group transforming closed Chicago church into liturgical showplace

Published: 2006-04-18

CHICAGO (CNS) -- When Msgr. R. Michael Schmitz first drove up to the former St. Gelasius Church in Chicago in 2003, he saw lightning, heard a thunderclap and watched hail fall on what had been a cloudless day. He decided it was a sign from God. Now, nearly three years later, the Institute for Christ the King Sovereign Priest -- which Msgr. Schmitz serves as vicar general and provincial superior -- has remodeled the former parish convent as a priory and provincial headquarters, complete with a chapel where Mass is celebrated daily. Still in the works is what will be the Shrine of Christ the King Sovereign Priest, a colorful church furnished and decorated in the early baroque style. The institute, which came to the United States in 1996 and started working in Wisconsin, Rockford, Ill., and St. Louis, renovates old churches and offers the 1962 version of the Latin Mass.

Copyright (c) 2006 Catholic News Service /U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. The CNS news report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed, including but not limited to such means as framing or any other digital copying or distribution method, in whole or in part without the prior written authority of Catholic News Service .