The Kennedy Expressway bends east to spare the imposing St. Stanislaus Kostka Church. St. Stanislaus returns the favor. Four years ago its pastor, Father Anthony Bus, decided the sanctuary should be open to the public around the clock. “It’s very uncommon,” says church secretary Cristina Carrazco. “I don’t think anyone else does it.” Last year the church launched a massive renovation of the sanctuary (designated by Cardinal Francis George as the Sanctuary of the Divine Mercy), making it unavailable during the workday. But from 4 PM to 7 AM during the week and around the clock on weekends, you may come in and pray or meditate or simply get out of the rain. The renovation has another three years to go so if you’re in need of solace during business hours—especially if you’re a hard charger who hangs on North Michigan Avenue—we suggest the exquisite Gothic of Ralph Adams Cram’s Fourth Presbyterian Church, 126 E. Chestnut. The doors are right on the avenue, but they’re locked at six.
