Cicero, St. Mary of Czestochowa Church, sculpture [Polish parishes and churches in Chicago]

The affluence of the parish can be seen in the high quality craftsmanship of marble altars. The quality of these works stands out amongst the run-of-the-mil pieces usually found in Polish temples. Unfortunately, we do not know their creator. It is known, however, that the main altar was granted a special privilege (altare privilegiatum), so if a Mass was celebrated at the altar for the intention of a particular deceased, this person’s soul was freed from Purgatory. Other church furnishings, such as the Stations of the Cross or the altar rail, correspond with the altars.