St Adalbert's Church

1650 W 17th St
Chicago, IL 60608
(312) 226-0340

I haven't been to church in a while. I am still trying to work through some hurts that haven't fully healed. I'm not Catholic. I don't know the tenets. I don't live on the South Side. This place is nowhere near my home. Yet, I was drawn to this church. I dunno why. Maybe just...because.

If churches, cathedrals, are supposed to be monuments - no, testaments - to God's grace, mercy, power & majesty...well, whoever built this one got it right. It's located in Pilsen and, as evidence of the neighborhood's Slavic and Mexican communities, has scripture and sentiment written languages befitting the people it serves.

The inside is stunning: stained glass as far as the eye can see, lacquered pews, flying buttresses, colossal painted ceiling, ornate carvings and etches. No detail was spared and there's beauty in every view. I walked through the doors and into the sanctuary and I was the only person there. In that magnificent stillness, I felt so small but so cared for. I felt vulnerable but protected. I felt like crying...but I also felt like rejoicing.

Was it a religious experience? Maybe. Was it God? Perhaps (I'd like to think so). Was it what I needed? Absolutely. In that beautiful stillness, I felt a penetrating peace that filled my heart. I have no snarky anecdotes. I have no bitter words. I have only an appreciation to have experienced...something...I can't quite put into words.