Santa Lucia school and parish in Chicago’s Bridgeport/Armour Square neighborhood just closed their doors for good. The school, which was opened in 1961, was built to support the burgeoning number of second, third and fourth generation Italian Americans who belonged to the parish and lived in the local community. The school and church were founded by the Scalabrini Brothers but the Sisters of Notre Dame staffed the school. The parish was started in 1943 as an extension to the Santa Maria Incoronata Parish which still exists in the neighborhood considered Chinatown.
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The front of the church bearing the name of Santa Lucia
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Our Lady Of the Rosary statue inside the church
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The Blessed Mother holding Jesus representing the stations
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The School on one of its last days
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A beautiful statue representing Santa Lucia, the saint of eyesight and seeing the good in all things and people
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Maratea Hall beneath the school and church where many functions have brought this community and parish together for decades
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Outside the school
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The last mass at Santa Lucia in Chicago. A solemn mass.
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A statuary (left to right) with Saint Rocco, Saint John the Baptist and Saint Anthony
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The humble yet beauiful altar of the church
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Another statuary with Santa Lucia and La Madonna
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Outside the school, the statue of Santa Lucia
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Saint Ann, mother of the Blessed Mother
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Outside as the last days count down
In 1953, the Archdiocese approved the separate administration of Santa Maria Incoronata and Santa Lucia became its own parish. Father Primo Beltrama became the first pastor of Santa Lucia.
Santa Lucia, or Saint Lucy in English, is the patron saint of eyesight and clear vision in any situation to see the good and positive in people despite disparity.
This past weekend parishioners celebrated the solemn closing of their church the best they could with mass and a celebration of food and comradery afterwards. As the neighborhood demographics change, and Italian residents pass on or move into the suburbs, the remaining parishioner base of the former Italian National parish can’t provide enough support to justify maintaining this fading piece of Italian American history.
Italian National parishes were built all throughout the United States starting in the late 1800’s so that masses could be held in the native tongue of the settlers that would attend mass the church’s masses. Therefore, Italian National parishes would require Italian priests who could hold masses in Italian.
Thanks to Lou Phillips in Chicago for sharing this news and for the photos.
By: Raymond Guarini, Founder of The Italian Enclaves Historical Society
I started here in 4th grade.
6/29/2024- Good am, My name is Ms. Jacinta Degraff. I began attending this school and parish from kindergarten and graduated from the 8th grade. I just saw Father Barettos obituary. I know Im late but im truly sorry. I remember when we were in church, if any of the students would talk and misbehave during mass , he would call out their names. And my parents and their neighbors had coffee and refreshments at the center after mass on occasion. Those were the days i cherish now, memories I take with me. My maiden name is Flores. I am divorced now, and still single. I have 4 children , all grown, who have served our country and 7 grandchildren all who live out of new york. I was married 18yrs, married and my c hildren all brought up in our faith in queens, NY. I understand this school is closed? and the church. as well. Im very sorry to hear this if this true. Last year i was diagnosed with heart failure, the dreams i had to accomplish things for pleasure others take for granted, i must now pace myself and treasure the couple of honest friends i have following my divorce., my ex husband initiated. I stay in touch with another classmate who attended this parish Our lady of Loretto, Bklyn NY. and she is more in touch with many than i am. I m glad i was able to find this link as i remember 1 classmate, Virginia Viggiano, we graduated in 1969. I was telling my classmate Ms Michelle Applewhaite Emen, I am not strong enough to attend a class reunioun if one is given, but id like very much to recieve a letter or greeting card from her. I dont know where she resides now, We used to run into one another when i was on my way to work and converse briefly in the subway. Would you if you are able look her up, and give her my address?202-10 109th ave queens, ny 11412. i believe she had and older sister, a brother, and a younger sister. When we were children, her parents owned a candy store, bakery on the corner. I hope you are in goodspirits and health and pray i live a happier quality life as presently im struggling living with a roomate. (different ones over a period of over 20 years) because my family didnt want to get involved after i lost my wealth.i had an aunt i confided in but she passed away. residence , Indinapolis, Indiana. Mrs. Anne Anderson, retired criminal court clerk, bronx criminal court. please remember us in your prayers and give me any updates on those affiliated with the parish. id appreciate that.Thank you. Ms. Jacinta Degraff