The Founding of
Visitation Church
Visitation Church
Visitation Church was founded in 1953 to serve the growing Catholic population in south Elmhurst. At the time, there were 450 Catholic families within the bounds of the parish.
Bishop Martin D. McNamara canonically erected the parish on June 11, 1953, and on June 27, he assigned Rev. John F. Podesta to be Visitation's first pastor.
A site for the parish was found in a nine-acre tract of land along York Road south of Madison Street. In July, work began on a small building intended to serve both as a church and a meeting hall (today that building is known as Madonna Hall). By September, ground had been broken for a second structure - a parish school to be staffed by the Dominican Sisters of Adrian, Michigan.
Bishop Martin D. McNamara canonically erected the parish on June 11, 1953, and on June 27, he assigned Rev. John F. Podesta to be Visitation's first pastor.
A site for the parish was found in a nine-acre tract of land along York Road south of Madison Street. In July, work began on a small building intended to serve both as a church and a meeting hall (today that building is known as Madonna Hall). By September, ground had been broken for a second structure - a parish school to be staffed by the Dominican Sisters of Adrian, Michigan.
Growing Fast
The parish rapidly outgrew the original church, so a new wing was added to the school and another "first Mass" was celebrated on Christmas morning, 1954. The space would serve as a church for more than 12 years.
Next on the building agenda was a convent, completed in 1957, to house the six Sisters who had been assigned to Visitation School.
In 1959, construction began on a second school wing, which was finished in time for the start of school in 1960.
By 1964, the parish numbered more than 1,600 families. It was clear Visitation had to build a new church. Designs were created to reflect the liturgical changes introduced through II Vatican Council, and a new church was completed in 1967. A welcome effect was that the school could convert into classrooms the space that had been the temporary church.
Next on the building agenda was a convent, completed in 1957, to house the six Sisters who had been assigned to Visitation School.
In 1959, construction began on a second school wing, which was finished in time for the start of school in 1960.
By 1964, the parish numbered more than 1,600 families. It was clear Visitation had to build a new church. Designs were created to reflect the liturgical changes introduced through II Vatican Council, and a new church was completed in 1967. A welcome effect was that the school could convert into classrooms the space that had been the temporary church.
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| Rev. Dominic Valentino |
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| Perpetual Adoration Chapel |
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Celebrating Mass at the Church Groundbreaking |
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| Visitation's First Church |
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| Msgr. John F. Podesta |
Still Flourishing
Named in 1959 Domestic Prelate with the title Right Reverend Monsignor, Msgr. Podesta retired in 1977. He had shepherded Visitation Parish for nearly 25 years.
Succeeding Msgr. Podesta was Rev. Dominic Valentino, who served the parish until 1994. Fr. Valentino spearheaded construction of a new rectory and the parish center gym that today bears his name.
Succeeding Msgr. Podesta was Rev. Dominic Valentino, who served the parish until 1994. Fr. Valentino spearheaded construction of a new rectory and the parish center gym that today bears his name.
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| Rev. Michael Lane |
Looking Toward the Future
In 1994, Rev. Michael Lane was named the third pastor of Visitation Parish. Among his initiatives, Fr. Lane has focused on updating and maintaining the church and school's aging facilities.
Most significantly, in 1996, Fr. Lane established the Perpetual Adoration Chapel of our Lady, Mother of the Eucharist. Today the chapel draws people from throughout the area who seek to be in Christ's presence through the Blessed Sacrament, which is exposed upon the chapel altar 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
In June of 2004, when Fr. Lane was appointed pastor of St. Jude Parish in Joliet, Fr. Joseph Siegel succeeded him as the fourth pastor of Visitation Parish.
Most significantly, in 1996, Fr. Lane established the Perpetual Adoration Chapel of our Lady, Mother of the Eucharist. Today the chapel draws people from throughout the area who seek to be in Christ's presence through the Blessed Sacrament, which is exposed upon the chapel altar 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
In June of 2004, when Fr. Lane was appointed pastor of St. Jude Parish in Joliet, Fr. Joseph Siegel succeeded him as the fourth pastor of Visitation Parish.