Chicago Archdiocese Deeds Woodlawn Building and Property to the Institute of Christ the King!

Chicago Tribune

CHICAGO, IL (February 28, 2016) - The Archdiocese of Chicago today announced that it has deeded the Shrine of Christ the King in Woodlawn and the land on which it stands to the Institute of Christ the King Sovereign Priest. The members of the apostolic institute have confirmed that they have received sufficient funds for the immediate stabilization of the historic Shrine building, ravaged by fire in October, 2015, and determined to be in hazardous condition. The Institute has committed itself to promptly remedying the dangerous condition created by the fire and then following through with the full restoration of the building.

“We express our deep gratitude to all the individuals and organizations whose most generous and timely donations helped bring us to this moment. We are mindful of the dangerous condition of the Shrine and will begin stabilization immediately with funds already collected,” said Reverend Canon Matthew L. Talarico, Provincial Superior for the Institute in the United States. “We are grateful to the Archdiocese for its partnership throughout our ministry in Woodlawn, especially during this difficult time. Since the day of the fire the collaboration with the Archdiocese has been remarkable: frequent communication, hard work and prayer.”

ICKSP statement

The Coalition to Save the Shrine welcomes the news of the transfer of the Shrine of Christ the King to the Institute.

“This is wonderful news! The Coalition is delighted that the Archdiocese was able to find such an innovative solution to save the Shrine,” said Emily Nielsen, a member of the Coalition and Shrine congregant.

Following a severe fire in the fall, the Archdiocese of Chicago, which owns the church, commissioned a report by an engineering firm which concluded that the church had to be secured or demolished within a short period of time. After the Archdiocese applied for a demolition permit in late December, the Coalition formed and has worked to raise support for restoration of the church. It has raised more than $650,000 in pledges made to Preservation Chicago and collected more than 2,000 signatures on a petition to save the Shrine, located at 6401 S. Woodlawn Ave. in the Woodlawn neighborhood.

“This is great news, but it means that the Coalition’s work has only just started,” said Gabriel Piemonte, a member of the Coalition and Woodlawn resident. “We have said all along that the Institute is a part of the Woodlawn family. If they are staying and taking on this challenge, we will all take it on with them. We are happy to help the Institute and its congregation with their new responsibilities.”

Coalition to Save the Shrine statement

The Archdiocese of Chicago is supportive of the Institute’s efforts to maintain its presence in the Woodlawn community and continue its ministry there. The Archdiocese wishes the Institute every success.

Archdiocese of Chicago

Chicago Tribune: Fire-ravaged Woodlawn church saved from wrecking ball

Needless to say this is amazing news!

HT to many of you