For months, activists on Chicago’s south side have relentlessly criticized Cardinal George and the Archdiocese of Chicago over the announcement that St.

For months, activists on Chicago’s south side have relentlessly criticized Cardinal George and the Archdiocese of Chicago over the announcement that St. Gelasius Church will be demolished. The Church is over 100 years old, and has suffered from neglect for decades due to the lack of resources and dwindling Mass attendees. This is a simply beautiful church, and truly a masterpiece in terms of the style of immigrant built mini-cathedrals from that period, but those days are long gone.

Chancellor Jimmy Lago’s repeated efforts to discuss the matters with neighborhood leaders have been ignored by the press and the protagonists. Lago says, “The strong presence of Archdiocesan agencies, parishes and schools in Alderman Trautman-s ward is a sign of the commitment by the leadership of this local Catholic Church not abandonment. We would be happy to explain this to Ald. Trautman should she choose to accept our long-standing invitation for a meeting.” Seems to us like Alderman Trautman is only interested in complaining to the press than sitting down to work the situation out. Ain’t that Chicago politics…