JS: Basilica of St. Josaphat begins urgent repairs, $7.5 million campaign

More than a century ago, a thriving Polish church community had the ambition to build a church as beautiful as St. Peter's in Rome but the practical sense to make it out of the used parts of a Chicago post office.

The Basilica of St. Josaphat represents a quintessential Milwaukee story. Today, though, the landmark, one of the most architecturally significant churches in Wisconsin, is showing her age and in need of $7.5 million in repairs.

Some of the restoration work is quite urgent. Some masonry, particularly around the roof ledges, is crumbling. Scaffolding will be erected this week and some work will begin immediately.

The Rev. Michael Glastetter, the Basilica pastor, described the art and architecture of the church as a way to "experience the awesome presence of God" when he announced plans for the renovations during Sunday Mass.

"What we are doing right now is the Band-Aid, emergency work that can't wait for the fundraising to be done," said Susan Rabe, president and CEO of the St. Josaphat Basilica Foundation, adding that entire areas of the masonry have crumbled and fallen away.
continue at JS

My prrrrrrrrrecioussssss!   I need to invest in a cardinal red drone I can fly around to get photos like the one above.  One of the guys from the Diocese of La Crosse has one that he flew around the Cathedral here.

Back to the story, where do I donate?

Photos from my visit.

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