About Saint Hyacinth:
Hyacinth was born in Poland of noble parents around 1185 and received his education in Krakow. On a trip to Rome in 1218, he met St. Dominic, from whom both Hyacinth and his cousin, Ceslaus, received the habit of the Friars Preachers. Within a few months of his reception of the habit, Hyacinth embarked on his first mission, sent by St. Dominic to preach and establish the Order in Poland.
For the next 35 years he devoted himself to preaching the Gospel, encouraging his followers to nurture the practice of study, and opening new Dominican monasteries. Through his efforts, Dominican Friaries were established in all the major cities in Poland. These houses became known as centers of theological thought and missionary activity. He extended his missionary activity beyond Poland in to Russia, Lithuania, present day Czech Republic and Slovakia, Austria, Greece, Turkey and northern China. He preached in Denmark, Sweden, and Norway and is also said to have visited Scotland.
Hyacinth spent his last few months of life in a monastery he had founded in Krakow. He died on August 15, 1257 and died the same day.
About Saint Hyacinth Basilica:
Built by Polish immigrants in the late 19th Century, this Basilica is one of the most prominent in the Chicago area and in the heart of the Polish community here.
In itself, it is a most magnificent building, but it offers more: Monuments to Saint Pope John Paul II and Blessed Jerzy Popiełuszko are prominently featured. Saint John Paul II paid a visit here before he became Pope.
The Basilica has over 100 relics. There are several of Saint John Paul II (including a relic of his blood) and among the others are relics of St. Hyacinth, St. Padre Pio, St. John Neumann, St. John the Baptist, St. Valentine, St. Therese, St. Francis of Assisi, St. Peregrine, Pope St. Elizabeth of Hungary, St. Jude, St. Gerard, St. Faustina, St. Hyacinth, St. Maria Goretti, and St. Bernadette.
All the relics are always on display in the main vestibule of the Church. On All Saints Day and on certain feasts some are displayed at the main altar.
There are many Sunday and weekday Masses….in either Polish and English, so check their Mass schedule for details. St. Hyacinth Parish celebrated its 125th Anniversary in 2019.
The Feast Day of Saint Hyacinth on August 17 is one of the highlights of the year at this Basilica.
Finding Saint Hyacinth Basilica:
Address: 3635 West George, Chicago, Illinois 60618-7318
Tel: +1 (773) 342-3636 Fax: +1 (773) 342-3638
email: info@sthyacinthbasilica.org
Click here for the official website of Saint Hyacinth Basilica in Chicago
⇐ Back to Catholic shrines and places of interest in Chicago
