This parish is just beautiful! I came for part of a mass service on a Sunday evening while I was in town for a work conference and the architecture alone was breathtaking. It's an older church and right in the center of downtown so the appearance definitely contrasts with the area. There were a LOT of folks in that service, almost no pew space was available. I didn't have time to stay until the end since I had to meet with my coworkers, but it does seem like a very welcoming place given how diverse the folks were that were there. Would recommend stopping by even just to peek at how pretty this place is from the out/inside if you're in downtown Chicago! read more

Holy Name Cathedral Parish - In the back, heading out (mass still going) - Churches Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Holy Name Cathedral Parish is beautiful and located in Downtown Chicago. I always visit this church any time I'm in town. The Masses I've attended in the past have had great homilies (sermons) and the people were very welcoming. The wooden beams across the ceiling are marvelous and the exterior is as beautiful as it is inside. read more

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Highly recommend going here for church! The cathedral is beautiful inside, the priest was funny and the homily was easy to understand, amusing, and relatable. It's easy to get to via the red line (only around the block from the Chicago red line stop) and they are welcoming no matter your attire - hats, activewear, etc. so long as you were down for mass, you're good! read more

Holy Name Cathedral Parish - Holy name cathedral - Churches Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I like to stop in the Cathedral whenever we visit a major city and I was pretty disappointed here. Probably the worst one I've seen. The Crucifix was really unique and interesting but the rest of the church was super dull and boring. Really hoping for something cooler from the Pope's hometown. read more

Holy Name is the Catholic Cathedral for the Diocese of Chicago. It's beautiful and majestic inside accentuated by the high dark wood ceilings it has. After Mass a short tour was offered when they explained that this church has been the victim of at least two fires including the Great Chicago Fire. The organ here is also beautiful. All I can say is that when they rebuilt it each time they did it right. The older churches are almost always grandeur than the newer ones. read more

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From the time I was a child in a Catholic elementary school, my understanding of the Holy Name Cathedral's importance was always high on the list of all things Catholic. The nuns always emphasized the importance of the Cardinals who were the highest priests in the city. What amazed me most (and even today) was the cardinal's red hats which were hung from the ceiling above the main altar when the cardinal died. As a child I saw only the first red hat (Cardinal Mundelein)! Last year when I took a friend to Chicago, I made sure we stopped at the cathedral. I was amazed at the number of cardinal's red hats!! SO MANY leaders since my first visit in 1954 as a little girl! Now 6 cardinal's redhats hang until they fall (and none have in over 80 years). Chicago is SO special for the people who attest to their Catholic faith. read more

This beautiful historic cathedral is impressive on many levels. The ceiling has to be seen to be believed. The architecture is very excellent. If you like historic church's this place should be on your list read more

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Beautiful church with consistently good homilies and music. Welcoming environment to pray and encounter Christ. read more

Holy Name Cathedral Parish - Inside - Churches Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Sunday Mass at Holy Name Cathedral offers a reverent and vibrant celebration with impressive music and a thought-provoking homily . The atmosphere is enhanced by the beautiful architecture, and the congregation actively participates in the liturgy . If you're unable to attend in person, the Mass is broadcasted on ABC read more

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Great church. Very Catholic. It was a good place to watch a wedding. The photos you can get from here during a wedding are outstanding (i don't think i want to post those out of respect for the couple that was getting married). Very nice place. I should add the funny story my grandpa told me. He said one of the staff there told everyone during the rehearsal that above the altar are a bunch of Red hats from Cardinals who have died. Apparently, whenever a hat falls down (from general degrading over the years), that means the Cardinal has gone to Heaven. Apparently, all the hats up there now have been up there for 25+ years read more

Absolutely stunning grandiose architecture in the heart of River North neighborhood! Even more amazing to see from the inside in all of its glory. Attended the Christmas Evening mass and it was a truly beautiful traditional Catholic Service. Everything from the choir of angels, to the harpist and pipe organs to the practical sermon had me feeling the magnificence of the season resonating within me. Kudos to all those who give ooodles of their time to make music so powerful. You don't have to be a baptized Catholic to step foot inside for a curious peek... but if you are, you will appreciate how welcoming the ushers are in finding you a seat. One note of etiquette: it's really not okay in the eyes of the church to take photos during a religious service so all of my pictures are taken during their Christmas carols prior to the service beginning or on my way out of the Cathedral. read more

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FYI-The Beautiful Nativity Scene outside the Cathedral on the side street is up and very comforting for prayer morning, noon, or night! Thank you for bringing peace and comfort Holy Name Cathedral Parish during these very challenging times. PS-There is a program on their web site where you can submit your own home Nativity Scene Picture to share. See: https://holyname.ccbchurch.com/goto/forms/154/responses/new read more

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I'm not a religious person but you don't have to be to enjoy this building. The ceiling is absolutely stunning! If you only go for that, it's worth it, but the rest of the cathedral is also beautiful. It's also impaired in that it's right on a busy inner-city block, but you'd never know it once you're inside. read more

Love this gorgeous parish and I'm so grateful I was able to attend a Mass while in Chicago for the Marathon. I actually normally seek out downtown cathedrals when I am traveling so I knew I wanted to go to the "main" cathedral in Chicago when I was there for the marathon. As I was looking on their website before the race, I saw that the Vigil Mass has a special blessing for the runners. This made me very excited since I was in NYC for the Marathon in 2019 and the "Runner's Mass" at St. Patrick's Cathedral is one of my most cherished memories. Luckily, Fr. Boivin at Holy Name didn't disappoint. He seems like a very special priest. And he somehow managed to start off his homily with a funny anecdote, then started to discuss the 150th anniversary of the Great Fire (which was literally that weekend -- October 8-10th, 2021); and then gave us runners some inspriational motivation on how to have an intimate dialogue with Christ as we run. I can't describe how he had all three pieces flow together, but it was quite a homily and one I will cherish. He then asked all runners to come up on the altar and we all went up for the blessing. I was up towards the front and just really tried to soak it all in. I am still proud to see how many fellow runners were with me. Fr. Boivin spent time seeing how many came from overseas, across the country, etc. He spent time making us feel special. The local parishioners also gave us bracelets to wear on race day. Most of them had Scripture passages. Mine said "Guide me, Lord." I wore it on race day and will most likely wear it for all following Marathons. Thank you Fr. Boivin and Holy Name for making all of us runners feel blessed and grateful before our big event. And bonus-- the blessing worked for me since I set a PR by 57 minutes (!!). Thanks be to God! read more

How do you review a church respectfully? A church, even a cathedral, is just a building. The community is what lives and survives through the ages. read more

No matter your religious beliefs or lack their of .. i enjoy beautiful architecture.. stained glass. THE ceiling alone is gorgeous. Just a beautiful place. We spent the weekend in Chicago so i took a chance it might be open. We happened by on a Saturday evening and went in. Only couple people in there. I try not to disrupt those there to for spiritual reasons. read more

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Is it OK to give a church anything less than 5 stars? Whether it's ok or not this GORGEOUS church definitely earns it's 5 star rating. My friend, Elizabeth, had her wedding ceremony here yesterday. Apparently there was a major construction issue with the roof about 6 months ago and they had to move all their weddings to other churches. Elizabeth got super lucky though because the church reopened just a few weeks before her wedding! And after staring at all the ornate details for about an hour I can see why she had her heart set on this breathtaking church, which looks like it belongs in Europe instead of on State Street... read more

Holy Name Cathedral Parish - Churches Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

This place is huge and spacious and has normal mass times. From the inside to the outside, the architecture of this building is beautiful and is as good as it gets. It's also located in a convenient location, being on the near north side, only steps away from the Chicago Red Line stop. There are also lots of things nearby if you're waiting for service to start or want to go somewhere after. There are numerous brunch places nearby and the Hancock building is only a few blocks east. read more

Holy Name Cathedral Parish - Churches Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

We only had a few minuets to duck in but it takes your breath away how beautiful it is inside. Even if you are not catholic, it is still checking out. read more

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Beautiful church with beautiful people. I came here on Easter Sunday for a one hour church @5:15 ceremony. It was Easter so it was full house. The church is very big. Beautiful decor inside. I don't know how parking works here because I took a taxi from the hotel to go here. It is located on downtown next to a liquor store and many other small vendors. Everyone was nice and welcome here. read more

Holy Name Cathedral Parish - Churches Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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The towering Gothic Revival architecture in downtown Chicago is the seat of the Archdiocese of Chicago, one of the largest Roman Catholic dioceses in the United States. The sanctuary is open all day for anyone to go in to pray or simply sit quietly. It's a very solemn, reverent, peaceful atmosphere. read more

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We were recommended to come here and were glad we did. Having spent a lot of time in Europe and seeing many,many churches over there, this one is right up there. The woodwork and trim on the ceiling are masterfully crafted. It is complex but yet simple. There are several art pieces that will catch your eye and have you taking pictures. The stained glass windows create a kaleidoscope of colors on the interior of the church. You will be be stunned by the pipe organ in the back. We were blessed to hear it play while we were there. The volume of sound it produces is spectacular. If you are in Chicago and need a bit of nostalgic history and want to see a wonderful cultural landmark, check out this church. It will leave an impact worth remembering. read more

We flew to Chicago to attend the second annual Christmas concert. Reverend Sakowicz is such a blessing in admiration to fulfill Gods place in such a historical cathedral. The orchestrated event filled with singers from around the world performed Christmas music filled with memories we all share. Thank you Michele for helping two of Gods believers experience this event in such short notice. read more

Holy Name Cathedral Parish - Holy Name Cathedral - Churches Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

This church is filled with Holy Spirit. I felt coming alive receiving the ceremonial bread this past Easter. The architecture in the walls, ceilings and exteriors are well renowned and made strong impression of those who visited. They have visitors from all over the world and the regulars are as diverse as the city of Chicago. This place not only is centrally located, it offers parking right next door and the security measures are excellent. You will feel safe and protected during worship. This church is also next to many historical monuments in the Windy City that is worth visiting even if you do not identify with Catholicism. I highly recommended Holy Name Cathedral. May the lord graces all who visits his place of worship! read more

Holy Name Cathedral Parish - Churches Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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A beautiful Mother's Day Service. The parishioners were welcoming and overall I had a wonderful experience. The architecture of the Church is amazing. read more

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I was in town for the 2016 Chicago Marathon and needed to attend mass, so I went to the 5:15PM Saturday vigil mass since Sunday morning would not be an option. I was not expecting anything special at the mass, as when I attended other masses the night before other marathons that I have run, nothing special occurred and nothing at all was mentioned about the races. To my surprise and delight, the priest welcomed all of the marathon runners to Chicago and even invited us to come up on the altar after the homily for a special blessing, and then they gave us a very nice blessed wrist band with a bible verse to wear during the race, which is exactly what I did. I was shocked at the number of marathoners at the mass who stepped up for the blessing. The homily was also very good, which intertwined religion with the race. The celebrating priest noted that we would pass through 29 neighborhoods and pass through the hospital district, and the patients would likely be looking at us from the hospital windows wishing they could give anything to trade places with us...I never thought of it that way, which gave me something to think about both during the mass and while running the race. After the mass, the Rector, who concelebrated the mass, greeted everybody individually, and was very friendly. There was also another concelebrating priest who planned to run the race as well. There was also a spaghetti dinner fundraiser right after the mass. Overall, Holy Name Cathedral made my visit to Chicago for the marathon very special and memorable. The location is also very convenient, as it is just across street from the Chicago train station on the red line. I highly recommend Holy Name Cathdral, and will definitely return the next time I come to Chicago. ============= Hebrews 12:1-2. read more

Pretty cathedral! Everywhere you look around is a beautiful work of art and architecture! From the Crucifix to the Stained Glass Windows to the Organ to the Ceiling and everything in between, one cannot help but be impressed. The Holy Name Cathedral is a wonderful place to visit when you are in the Windy City. From now on, whenever we are staying in downtown Chicago, we will be attending mass here. read more

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This is an impressive gothic cathedral church, which can impress visitors and lifelong Roman Catholics like myself. I took a few photos of the church (see photos by Jason A.) and realized how nice it was to have a more traditional cathedral in one's city (I'm from Los Angeles, and our cathedral isn't really traditional in its construction). The high arches are impressive and the marble used throughout are enough to make you realize that the Cathedral of the Holy Name is indeed worthy of a king or a God who deserves perfection. This is basically the heart of the Catholic Church in Chicago, but during my visit here, I didn't get a chance to sit in on a pontifical mass unfortunately. Then again, the senior priest celebrating the liturgy that evening was really emotional in his delivery of his sermon and stuck me with his strong message relating to the gospel of the week, which was that of the Prodigal Son. During that same mass, I was given the honor of bringing up the communion hosts to the priest during the service, along with my brother and his girlfriend. The head usher noticed us sitting near the rear of the church before mass had begun and requested if we would be willing to do it. My brother and I, having been both acolytes before, did not turn down this chance to rekindle our church service and didn't have to be told how it was to be done (despite it being our first visit to this cathedral). My brother's girlfriend, on the other hand, was not a cradle Catholic like us, and had to be coached by my brother on how to bring up the wine and water, where to stand and where to walk up and down the aisle during the service. I realized that he and I both lost our fear of standing/performing before large audiences during our years as acolytes and it was nice to have that brief moment to relive the old days. I highly recommend coming here if you're a visitor to Chicago--Catholic or not. Just the architecture and art within the walls of the cathedral is universal, and even if you're not a firm believer in God or any religion, there's just something about grand, gilded and monumental spaces that evokes strong feelings that may one day lead to a search for things mysterious or divine. read more

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Everything I've stated previously is still true. Good priests Great music, in fact the Director of Music/maestro should be given tremendous compliments for the quality of his choir and the selection of his music. His Grace, Archbishop Blasé Cupich who is the new archbishop wisely moved the "cathedra" or bishop's chair more to the side. I don't think it's ideal, but it certainly looks MUCH better than before. The whole "angled" thing is lost on me. It looks like an inferior compromise reconciling the tradition of patristic era churches where the cathedra was behind the altar and the bishop was surrounded by his "presbyters" and the bishop wanting to be somehow closer. Now unfortunately, there is a huge vacuous space where the cathedra was previously placed. They attempt to fill it with huge plants which just makes it look silly. They're simply ignoring the fact that the tabernacle belongs there. That's how the cathedral was designed. I understand liturgical documents recommend the Sanctissimum be placed in a prominent chapel or area in a cathedral, but this is not an absolute, and here, it makes no sense. The current position of the tabernacle is neither prominent or worthy. It fights the architecture. I was made to understand Cardinal George (RIP) was waiting for Bp. Lyne to pass so that he could place it back in the central apse of the cathedral where it used to be before 1967. Bp. Lyne died only recently, and sadly Cardinal George likely had neither the energy or time to complete this plan. This is a beautiful cathedra architecturally, I hope they continue to improve on some poor and dated choices. The Italians do a very fine job of using fine fabric (brocade and damasks) to denote gradation of solemnities by altar-frontals, and "banners" on pillars etc. This could easily be done here. read more

Really nice Catholic church. Huge. Lots of wood and décor. Limited parking, but accessible by public transportation. And they do stuff for the community, like host AA Metings. read more

Will I get smited (smitten? smote? you get it.) for not giving a church 5 stars? Or maybe for reviewing a church at all? I guess I'll find out... Holy Name was beautiful and I'm glad we chose to go during our trip, but it's congregation is obviously mostly tourists, or at least it was on this particular Sunday. The overly detailed "worship aid" supports that by stepping you through each part of the mass, so you could participate with ease no matter what denomination you were. There just didn't seem to be a sense of community or passion since many are there to look at the building and not for worship (I've never seen so many cameras flashing during a mass. Really, people?). Not the church's fault, that's what happens when you're a pretty, popular church in the middle of a big tourist destination city, I suppose. read more

Holy Name Cathedral Parish - Churches Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

More commonly known as Holy Name Cathedral, this is the main Roman Catholic cathedral of Chicago. Its front (west) elevation features textured but minimalist bronze doors and a single tower spire on the corner closest to the intersection of State and Superior. Dating from 1874, its Late Victorian Gothic limestone exteriors are impressive. read more

Holy Name Cathedral Parish - Holy Name Cathedral - Churches Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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This is a spectacularly beautiful church in the heart of Chicago that's well worth visiting. The woodwork on the ceiling is especially inspiring. read more

I walked in there today and got turned away. There was a wedding rehearsal and we were not allowed to walk around or view the church... That leaves a bitter Taste in my mouth. I'm not allowed to pray if someone bought it out for the hour... doesn't seem to open to the public or friendly. I am so disappointed. read more

A very, very beautiful church. I went here for the first time for the New Years Eve mass and was impressed. I liked how clear and articulate those were who did the readings; I thought to myself that even those a little shaky with English comprehension could clearly understand everything said. I liked the sermon. Overall, a good experience. I wasn't sure what to think as far as "fitting in", as it was my first time to a church downtown. However, I found the crowd to be very diverse -just a nice "regular" assortment of people, many of whom just seemed to be average Chicago locals from the local 'hoods. read more

This cathedral was beautifully designed. I was simply in awe by the architecture and by the glass work. I was very pleased that I made the attempt to visit here as a tourist. read more

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Holy Name Cathedral Parish is a beautiful church worth visiting. The architecture is amazing from both the outside and inside. If you happen to have a chance to go inside, where Sunday mass is probably your best best, take note of all the amazing and intricate details of the arched wooden ceilings, stained glass, and the huge organ pipes above the front entrance. The detail of this church is something one can really appreciate. read more

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Holy Name Cathedral is a cathedral that celebrates "Radical Hospitality". It extends a welcome and goodbye to all who come. The minister as the greeter immediately welcomes people. The priest during the homily again welcomes the parishioners and guests who come to visit. There are international people from Denmark, Ireland, Columbia and the entire United States as well as many other places who stop to pray with all of us. It is a safe and welcoming place to be. All the ministries of the Archdiocese are offered in regard to liturgy, prayer and other celebrations including the marathon celebrated each year. The sacraments are celebrated often especially Baptism and Matrimony. The Courtyard is a sacred place to spend some time in prayer with Mother Mary. Dr. Eileen Quinn Knight read more

Stopped in while shopping on Michigan Avenue. There was a funeral going on but we were still invited in to see the beautiful church. The architecture is gorgeous! Loved the stations of the cross. They depicted the emotions and history perfectly. There are many masses to choose from if you would like to attend a service. Make sure to stop downstairs if you would like to light a candle or see the Virgin Mary. read more

This is a review of this particular church and parish, not a review of the Roman Catholic Church in general. This is one of Chicago's "see and be seen" churches. I'm never really a fan of these kind of churches because it's kind of an antithetical reason to go a church if you ask me. I went here one Sunday with a friend of mine who is from China. The People's Republic of China - you know, the atheist Red Communist Chinese. We went because he wanted to see what a Catholic mass was like. I went because, well, regardless of faith (I was raised protestant) how often do you get to expose a Communist Chinese guy to Catholicism for the first time? We got there just as the service was starting. The front doors are impressive - I'd admired them from the street before, and the interior is quite nice. For me, the building by itself is probably something like 3 1/2 stars. I've seen better - in fact I'm not quite sure what the fuss is about this building except for historical considerations - but it is colorful and detailed. Anyway, the readings and kneelings and prayers and incense and holy water were way more ritualistic than my Baptist upbringing was used to - but kinda fun to watch. Then we got to the sermon. I thought I might have to whisper some theological explanations to him, but the entirety of the sermon was all too easy to understand, "Give us money. We spent everything you already gave us on this building, so give us some more. Please. Pretty please? Don't make me mention brimstone!" Needless to say, my Communist Chinese friend left thinking Catholics are all a bunch of money-grubbers. So, if you want to see a historical Chicago building, poke your head in sometime just after a service. Otherwise, if you're seeking spiritual guidance maybe seek at a smaller, less-costly-to-maintain parish. Or check out one of the Protestant congregations that don't have to dedicate part of their collections toward paying court settlements brought on by bachelor clergymen. read more