St. Peter's in the Loop in Chicago celebrates 150 years

On June 27, the historic St. Peter in the Loop Parish in downtown Chicago marked a major milestone —150 years of ministry in the heart of the city—with a celebratory Mass led by Auxiliary Bishop Robert Lombardo, CFR, pastor Br. Michael Fowler, OFM, and guardian Br. Bob Hutmacher, OFM, assisted by then Deacon Br. Raphael Ozoude, OFM. 

Founded to serve the spiritual needs of Chicago’s bustling business district and tourists pouring into the city, St. Peter’s has long been a sanctuary for locals and visitors alike. In 1953, Cardinal Samuel Stritch envisioned the church as a beacon of peace and divine mercy amid the city’s commercial core and said:   

“The new St. Peter’s will be a church where countless souls will find peace, strength and light from God. The sons of St. Francis will be in the very midst of the activities of our great metropolis, as they were in the squares and the thoroughfares of old, inviting all to come and taste the sweetness of the love and mercy of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.”  

Today, that vision continues to resonate, as the parish celebrates a century and a half of Franciscan presence and pastoral outreach in the Loop.  Recently, the current Archbishop of Chicago Blase Cupich thanked the friars for their ministry there saying, “St. Peter’s Church in the Loop holds a special place in the hearts of parishioners, downtown office workers and visitors to our city. Since their earliest days at the parish, the Franciscans have fostered ‘what has come to be known as the spirit of St. Peter’s Church – service to all in the quest of spiritual comfort, particularly in the confessional,’ as understood in the book, ‘A History of the Parishes of the Archdiocese of Chicago.’ 

He added, “On behalf of the Archdiocese of Chicago, I offer deep gratitude to the Franciscans of the Province of Our Lady of Guadalupe for their outstanding pastoral leadership and stewardship of the parish and to all of you as you continue to share the joy of the Gospel in service to one another and the community. During this time focused on spiritual renewal for our local church, may your worship, witness and willingness to cultivate Catholic faith grounded in God and neighbor continue to ensure a vibrant faith community at St. Peter’s now and for generations to come.” 

This history of St. Peter’s in the Loop was compiled by Br. Mario DiCicco, OFM, from sources in 2021 and updated in 2025.   

St. Peter’s German roots 

Following the Chicago fire in 1872, Bishop Administrator of Chicago Thomas Foley invited Franciscans to take charge of St. Peter's Church. Fr. Maurice responded that he could not accept the offer at the time, but he would gladly as soon as circumstances permitted.  

The time came three years later in 1875, thanks to Chancellor Otto bon Bismarck who, through his Kulturkampf (Germany's fight against Catholic culture), suppressed Franciscan friaries in Germany and forced over 100 Franciscans to seek a new home in the United States. The exiles reached Teutopolis, Illinois, on July 3 and 4, 1858, beginning what became Sacred Heart Province.  

On July 29, 1875, the first Franciscans – five friars, including pastor Br. Liborius Schaefermeyer, OFM – arrived at St. Peter's. Parishioners had been frightened into believing that the “monks” were to take over for themselves the church, the school, the house and lots, and that the parish had to support three or four priests instead of one. The slogan went around: “If Bismarck didn’t want them, neither do we.” Parishioners even petitioned the bishop to reconsider. 

OFM brothers joined Auxiliary Bishop Robert Lombardo, CFR, in celebrating 150 years of ministry at St. Peter’s in the Loop Church. (Photo courtesy of the Province of Our Lady of Guadalupe)

Franciscans move in 

The situation improved the following Monday when the bishop celebrated Mass in St. Peter’s and introduced the Franciscans, making it clear that they were here to stay.  

The following Sunday, Br. Liborius allayed parishioners’ suspicions by gently explaining the parable of the Good Samaritan. He concluded his homily saying he and his fellow friars had come not to rob them of their earthly goods but to save their souls and to lead them to eternal bliss.  Parishioners’ hearts softened and gave way to confidence. Br. Liborius became a beloved parish father whose name was held in blessing. Besides building a new school and other improvements, he focused on parishioners' spiritual growth. 

The spiritual welfare of the church 

With the Franciscans’ coming, St. Peter’s assumed a new role. After the Chicago fires, hundreds of the staunchest Catholic families moved out. Railroad stations and freight depots, warehouses and wholesale houses moved in.  

As a result, St. Peter’s parish grew smaller. But as a spiritual center, it became a symbol of that Good Samaritan Br. Liborius prophetically preached in his first sermon. Franciscans poured the curative oil of absolution on the wounds of penitents and administered the nourishment of the Eucharistic bread to countless travelers on their way to God. 

Chicago Catholics beat a path to the church. Travelers came from railroad terminals and hotels, including bishops and priests. As many as 50 visiting bishops and priests a day celebrated Mass at St. Peter’s. 

Franciscans were on call all day, every day. Colorful, talented and energetic brothers and beloved pastors were stationed at Old St. Peter’s from 1875 until 1953. By the 1940s, the church on Polk and Clark had deteriorated. The need for a new church was evident. Cardinal Stritch and Provincial Minister Br. Juvenal Emmanuel, OFM, gave permission to build one on Madison Street in The Loop. Work began in June 1950. The present St. Peter’s Church was dedicated on Sept. 7, 1953.  

In over 70 years since St. Peter’s opened on Madison Street, Franciscans and lay staff have welcomed politicians, bankers, lawyers, construction workers, store employees, travelers, vacationers and thousands of others from Chicago and everywhere to this holy space. 

Visit the friars at St. Peter’s in the Loop at 110 W Madison St, Chicago, IL 60602. A list of Mass times can be found at StPetersLoop.org. 

Auxiliary Bishop Robert Lombardo, CFR, celebrated Mass to commemorate the friars’ 150 years of service at St. Peter’s in the Loop, Chicago. The current church was dedicated in 1953. (Photo courtesy of St. Peter’s in the Loop)