Chicago, the thirdlargest city in America and a hub of industry, art, music, sports and politics is also home to a vibrant spiritual community. The city boasts an array of religious traditions that reflect its diverse populace.
For those looking for a sacred experience while visiting this bustling metropolis, there are many options:
The Bahai House of Worship (100 Linden Ave., Wilmette) This stunning temple with resplendent white marble walls and domed roof serves as the national center for Bahais across America. Visitors can admire the intricate designs on every surface while soaking up peace in their own way.
Holy Name Cathedral (735 N State St.) Built in 1874 after the old structure burned down during the Great Chicago Fire of 1871), Holy Name Cathedral is one of only seven basilicas located in major U.S. cities. It features breathtaking stainedglass windows imported from Germany.
The National Shrine of Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini (2520 N Lakeview Ave.) This sanctuary highlights Mother Cabrinis life and legacy through artifacts like her typewriter along with paintings depicting pivotal moments such as first meeting Pope Leo XIII.
Sri Venkateswara Swami Temple or Balaji Temple (1145 Sullivan Rd., Aurora) A traditional Indian Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Venkateswara situated over acresoffering plenty serene evergreen spaces around it which alone makes it worth visitng named Balaji by devotees who venerate Lord Vishnus eighth avatar hereknown popularly among southindian Hindus worldwide.
Wrigleyville Community Christian Church(3608 North Magnolia)This church has been serving Wrigleyville since 1987.Their nondenominational services feature contemporary worship songs led by a live band followed by communion service steeped rich in spirituality & tradition.
People desiring to tingle their taste buds can also enjoy the diversity of cuisine revealing faiths, cultures and spiritual journeys people have undergone:
The kosher section at Marianos Markets (Various locations) Chicago is home to a significant Jewish population and you can find falafel, matzo ball soup, hummus, bagels with schmear or gefilte fish here reflecting unique history, practices & customs.
Udupi Palace In case one wants to explore South Indian Cusinethis vegan Restaurant(2543 W Devon Ave) offers authentic South Indian dishes like dosas that are made from lentils & rice batter and filled masala potatoes while chanting shlokas during prayer service on Tuesdays evenings.
Third Unitarian Church This church serves vegetarian meals every Sunday with variety in menu providing delicious food for an affordable price. Guests often encounter friendly conversations about everything under the sun over a meal full of love served by volunteers as a gesture of social justice outreach.This community encourages all guests whether they attend services or not.
Chicago reflects its residents diverse beliefs Catholicism, Judaism, Bahaism,Hinduism , Buddhism,Sufi Islam., Unitarian Universalists amongst othersand provides visitors an opportunity to connect with deeper truths while experiencing new perspectives.Being respectful towards each others faith & traditions helps keep these spaces sacred.
Websites:
1)https://www.chicagobahai.org/
2) https://holynamecathedral.org/visitus
3) http://cabrinishrinechicago.com/home.html
4)http://www.balaji.org/
Twitter:
100 Linden Ave.
Wilmette, IL
United States
735 N State St. Il
Chicago, IL
United States
2520 N Lakeview Ave. Il
Chicago, IL
United States
1145 Sullivan Rd.
Aurora, IL
United States
3608 North
Magnolia, IL
United States
Various
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Locations, IL
United States
2543 W Devon Ave Il
Chicago, IL
United States