⛪✨ Discover St. Stanislaus Kostka: Chicago’s Polish Cathedral Jewel 🕯️🏛️

⛪✨ Discover St. Stanislaus Kostka: Chicago’s Polish Cathedral Jewel ️️

A Monumental Polish Cathedral–Style Masterpiece and the Spiritual Heart of Chicago’s Polish Church Tradition ✨

Join us for a special guided visit to St. Stanislaus Kostka Catholic Church, one of the most breathtaking and historically significant Catholic churches in Chicago.

Located in the heart of historic Polish Downtown, St. Stanislaus Kostka is widely recognized as the mother church of Chicago’s Polish Catholic community. Its monumental dome, ornate altars, and extraordinary interior artistry make it one of the finest examples of the famed Polish Cathedral style in America.

It is officially designated as the Sanctuary of Divine Mercy of the Archdiocese of Chicago and is the “mother church” of all Polish churches within the Archdiocese. Since 1999, the church has been open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for Eucharistic Adoration, hosting continuous Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament at all times except during the celebration of Holy Mass — a rare and deeply meaningful distinction.

This is a stationary guided church visit — not a walking tour — allowing us to slow down and fully appreciate the church’s architecture, artwork, symbolism, and rich immigrant history in a peaceful, reflective setting.

Expect soaring ceilings, elaborate altars, vibrant stained glass, devotional chapels, and powerful stories connecting Catholic tradition with Chicago’s Polish-American heritage. ✨

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️ Schedule, Meeting Info & Cost
Saturday, February 28, 2026
⏰ 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
1351 W. Evergreen Ave., Chicago,
⏱️ Visit length: ~90 minutes
$15 per person
Cash strongly preferred
(Zelle / Venmo / PayPal accepted as I submit one group donation)

⚠️ All attendees must check in with me at the start and submit payment directly to me so I can provide one group donation to the church.

Photography is allowed — please be respectful of the sacred space and follow any guidance from our hosts.

Private guided experience arranged exclusively for our group.

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** What We’ll Experience**
⛪ A grand historic sanctuary crowned by its iconic dome
Elaborate religious art, murals, and stained glass
️ Side chapels and devotional shrines
The story of Chicago’s Polish Catholic community
️ Architectural highlights of the Polish Cathedral–style tradition
Insight into its role as the Sanctuary of Divine Mercy and center of perpetual Adoration

This visit takes place entirely inside the church and its immediate grounds.

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** About St. Stanislaus Kostka**
Founded in 1867, the parish became the spiritual and cultural center of Chicago’s rapidly growing Polish immigrant community. From this parish, numerous Polish Catholic churches were established throughout the city and region — solidifying its role as the mother church of Chicago’s Polish Catholics.

The present church, completed in the late 19th century and expanded in the early 20th century, is a masterpiece of the Polish Cathedral style — characterized by monumental scale, Renaissance and Baroque influences, dramatic ornamentation, and a profound emphasis on sacred beauty.

Inside, you’ll find:
• Majestic main altar and side altars
• Richly painted ceilings and decorative murals
• Sculptural detailing throughout
• Stained glass honoring saints and Polish Catholic heritage

For generations, the parish has served as a spiritual refuge and cultural anchor for immigrant families building new lives in Chicago. Today, it remains an active parish, a designated Sanctuary of Divine Mercy, a center of perpetual Adoration, and one of the city’s most extraordinary sacred landmarks.

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️ Optional Coffee or Late Lunch After
Those interested are welcome to join afterward for coffee or a late lunch at a nearby neighborhood spot in Noble Square or Wicker Park.
️ Specific location will be shared closer to the date.
⚠️ Please bring cash — some venues may not split checks.

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** What to Bring**
• Camera
• Respectful attire suitable for a sacred space
• $15 tour fee (exact change appreciated)

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** Getting There**
Public transportation is highly encouraged.
• Blue Line — Division stop (short walk)
• Multiple CTA bus routes nearby
• CTA Trip Planner: https://www.transitchicago.com/planatrip/

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** Parking (Noble Square / Wicker Park Area)**
• Limited street parking on Evergreen and surrounding residential streets (check permit signage carefully)
• Some metered parking on Division Street
• Area can be tight — arriving early is strongly recommended
• SpotHero or ParkWhiz may be helpful for nearby garages

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** RSVP & Courtesy Policy**
✔️ Please keep your RSVP updated
✔️ Cancel promptly if plans change
❌ Repeated no-shows may affect future participation

✨⛪ Join us for a meaningful late-February afternoon exploring Catholic faith, Polish immigrant history, and sacred art — all inside one of Chicago’s most awe-inspiring churches. ✨