American Warsaw: Polish Catholic Immigrants in Chicago

2250 N. Sheffield Ave.,Chicago IL 60614

18 January, 2022

Description

Award-winning author & historian Dominic A. Pacyga on the Polish Catholic experience in Chicago and how it has changed over the years ::: In order to provide the safest indoor space possible, a face mask and proof of COVID-19 vaccination (or negative test results received within 72 hours of the event) will be required for attendance ::: The Chicago Polonia was shaped by three major immigrations and several minor ones dating from the 1850s through the early 21st century. Each brought a different definition of Polskość (or Polishness) and the relationship with the Catholic Church; this included the development of both the Polish Roman Catholic Union and the Polish National Alliance. Originally spread across Chicago’s northwest, southwest, and southeast sides, today the Polish community is located largely in the suburbs. Nevertheless, the impressive Polish Churches, many built in what had been called the Polish Cathedral style, still serve Chicago’s diverse ethnic communities. ABOUT THE SPEAKER: Dominic A. Pacyga is emeritus professor of history at Columbia College (Chicago). He has also served as a visiting fellow at Campion Hall, Oxford University, as well as taught in Kraków, at the Jagiellonian University’s Institute for American Studies and the Polish Diaspora (2013-14). His latest book is American Warsaw: The Rise, Fall, and Rebirth of Polish Chicago (University of Chicago Press, 2019), which won him the Oscar Halecki Award from the Polish American Historical Association for the second time. ABOUT THE PHOTO: Our Lady of Czsetochowa Parish (Cicero, IL), courtesy of Dominic A. Pacyga All are welcome; free of charge Discounted parking available at 2231 N. Sheffield (with validation) In 1900, only 25% of Catholics lived in the global South—Latin America, Asia, and Africa. By the year 2000, that number had shifted to nearly 70%. Established in 2008 by DePaul University, CWCIT is a leading center of interdisciplinary research addressing this dramatic demographic shift in Catholicism. The Center seeks to be at the forefront of the discussion about globalization and the Catholic Church's future as a truly worldwide church. Learn more at http:/cwcit.depaul.edu.