A Catholic church in Chicago that opened more than 100 years ago is set to close for good this Sunday after the 1pm Mass. There is a community effort to try and save Our Lady of Lourdes on the north side of Chicago. One group is trying to have it be designated as a historic landmark. The church was built in 1916. Parishioners say it draws pilgrims from all over the country to see the replica of the Grotto of Lourdes in France. The archdiocese says the church is no longer needed since a merger with nearby St. Mary of the Lake. The pastor of both parishes said in a statement, "This is a very difficult moment in the life of our parish. We understand that this decision will cause hurt, sadness, anger and confusion." President of the nonprofit Our Lady of Lourdes Church Preservation Society, Katarina Garcia, joins to tell us more about Our Lady of Lourdes and why it qualifies as a historic landmark and should be preserved. The archdiocese says Mass attendance at Our Lady of Lourdes has steadily dropped. And with limited priest help, it was necessary to consolidate Mass times and eventually close and merge with the other nearby church. Garcia responds to this. She discusses what the feeling is among parishioners.


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