Venue Information

St. Francis of Assisi Church’s ecclesial significant is in the designation as a minor basilica of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Chicago. Its architectural significance because it was designed by William J. Brinkmann (1874 - 1911) an architect most well known for his work designing Chicago area churches. Historically, to the Spanish Language community, the parish is the site where the first Spanish language Mass was celebrated in Chicago. Its politically importance for Mexican Americans because for years, the parish has served as a battle ground between the immigrant Mexican people and city urban planners who over time have tried to demolish it their gentrification efforts.