Franciscans of the Eucharist.......

The Mission of Our Lady of the Angels establishes a Catholic presence in the Humboldt Park area on Chicago’s west side.  This area presently is one of the poorest neighborhoods in the City of Chicago.  The purpose of the Mission is to assist the poor and evangelize through an apostolate of prayer, retreats and preaching.

Mention of Our Lady of the Angels brings to mind for many people the school fire of December 1, 1958, in which 92 students and three religious sisters perished.  In 2005, Cardinal George invited Fr. Bob Lombardo, CFR, to establish the Mission at the site of the tragic fire.   Fr. Bob is one of the founding friars of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal,  along with Fr. Benedict Groeschel.

Presently, the former rectory houses a discernment community of several young adults who are desiring religious life as Franciscans. There is a chapel for prayer/adoration and eight bedrooms to accommodate people wishing to come for retreat or volunteer opportunities. It also serves as Fr. Bob's headquarters from which he helps coordinate programs at the new Kelly Hall YMCA and oversees the renovation of the Convent across the street.

The pictures you see on their web site testify to the many who have shared their time, talent and resources to help create this Mission.   Fr. Bob is grateful to everyone, and considers what has occurred at the Mission to be miraculous. Yet, there is still much work to be done...

http://www.missionola.com/