Faith and Fellowship

St. Odilo Parish: Celebrating Tradition and Diversity


In Berwyn, Illinois, St. Odilo Parish stands out as a unique Catholic community, rich in history, faith, and service. As the National Shrine of the Poor Souls, the parish is a spiritual home to over 1,600 parishioners each weekend. Its pastor, Fr. Bartholomew Juncer, Fr. Bart, describes St. Odilo as a unique working-class parish, with a diverse and cooperative community representing many ethnic and cultural backgrounds.

A Shrine to the Souls in Purgatory

The parish’s unique identity stems from its connection to its patron, St. Odilo of Cluny, who instituted All Souls’ Day in the 10th century. This rich legacy is alive at St. Odilo, where a Wednesday evening Mass for the Souls in Purgatory draws a dedicated group of 60–70 attendees. “Many parishioners find great consolation in these Masses,” Fr. Bart explains. “These Masses truly help to console people who are confronting grief.”

Anyone can enroll loved ones in the Purgatorial Mass Society, an enduring way to pray for the departed. The shrine’s mission is central to the parish, offering prayer, healing, and hope to grieving families.

A Diverse and Growing Community

Founded nearly a century ago in 1927, St. Odilo Parish has always been a welcoming community. Initially established as a parish comprised of Bohemian and Czech immigrants, it has since welcomed Italian, Mexican, and Black families. Bishop Perry recognized this commitment to diversity during the 95th anniversary of the parish, where he praised the parish's vibrancy and inclusivity.

The parish celebrates this diversity through Masses in three languages: English, Spanish, and Latin, the latter of which acts as “a bridge for worshipers from all ethnic backgrounds,” says Fr. Bart.

Ministries for Worship, Education, and Service

St. Odilo thrives through its variety of ministries, each contributing to a sense of belonging and purpose, including:

  • Religious Education: With over 300 students enrolled, this program integrates classroom learning and Mass attendance. “We’re looking to expand due to high demand,” Fr. Bart notes.
  • Youth Group: A lively Friday gathering for games, prayer, and fellowship.
  • Knights of Columbus: Hosting drives for coats, food, and special needs, the group supports both parishioners and the broader community.
  • Consecratio Mundi: Parishioners meet every Friday for prayer and devotion to the Blessed Virgin.
  • A long-running weekly Bible Study meets every Thursday to engage with scripture, foster friendship, and grow in faith
  • The Music Ministry is equally rich, featuring choirs for English, Spanish, and Latin Masses and a children’s choir drawn from the religious education program and from the larger parish community.


Events that Unite

Throughout the year, St. Odilo hosts events that bring together parishioners and the surrounding community. The annual Mardi Gras celebration is a standout, offering dinner, dancing, raffles, and auctions. “It’s a beloved event that even draws our neighbors from the Christian church down the street,” says Fr. Bart.

Other highlights include the St. Odilo Block Party, a festive gathering with music, food, and a rummage sale, an evening Jazz Supper Club before Christmas with pasta dinner and a jazz singer accompanied by a bassist and piano player, and the Blue Mass, honoring police and fire families.

Faith in Action

St. Odilo’s community outreach includes a unique partnership with the local police and fire departments. As chaplain for Berwyn's police, Fr. Bart emphasizes mutual support: “We pray for them, and they protect and help us. It's a vital ministry in today's world.”

The parish also builds connections with the city government and business community. Relationships with the Chamber of Commerce and local leaders have brought visibility to St. Odilo’s mission.

A Beautiful House of God

St. Odilo continues to enhance its physical space. Recent projects include new flooring, a painted ceiling, and organ repairs. “The church is the house of God, the gate of heaven—it should look beautiful,” Fr. Bart says. With its open layout and illuminated aisle leading to the tabernacle, the parish’s breathtaking sanctuary inspires visitors and even passersby who stop to take a moment of prayer.

Faith and Fellowship

St. Odilo Parish has celebrated faith, diversity, and service for nearly a century. As the centennial approaches in 2027, Fr. Bart reflects on the parish's mission: “We're here to teach what Jesus taught us, to build bridges across communities, and to remind everyone— even if they are just passing by that there is a God who loves them.”