There was a significant fire this morning at the Shrine of Christ the King Sovereign Priest (formerly the Church of St. Gelasius), the home of the Institute of Christ the King in Chicago. News reports are here and here. The Canons Regular of St John Cantius have asked NLM readers for their prayers.
UPDATE: A reader who happened to be in the area has sent in the photographs below. The fire apparently began in the upper window near the bell tower. The fire commander instructed the battalions not to hit the sides of the church. The roof has gone, but it should be possible to rebuild using the existing walls thanks to the commander and fire department.
FURTHER UPDATE: The fire crew rescued a famous early eighteenth century statue of Christ the Infant King (pictured below) as well as the tabernacle. Canon Matthew Talarico gave an interview which you can see below.
UPDATE: A reader who happened to be in the area has sent in the photographs below. The fire apparently began in the upper window near the bell tower. The fire commander instructed the battalions not to hit the sides of the church. The roof has gone, but it should be possible to rebuild using the existing walls thanks to the commander and fire department.
FURTHER UPDATE: The fire crew rescued a famous early eighteenth century statue of Christ the Infant King (pictured below) as well as the tabernacle. Canon Matthew Talarico gave an interview which you can see below.
