Thousands of Catholics attend Easter Masses at Holy Name Cathedral

CHICAGO – The bells ringing outside of Holy Name Cathedral on Easter Sunday signaled the faithful to come inside and observe one of the largest holidays in the Catholic Church.

Catholics from Chicagoland and beyond attended several scheduled Masses at the cathedral on Easter Sunday.

“Today’s Mass, Easter Mass, couldn’t have been more joyful,” Mary Boehm said.

The Archdiocese of Chicago said every Mass was packed as thousands of parishioners commemorated the resurrection of Jesus Christ. One family came all the way from France and couldn’t find any seats.

“Unfortunately, for the Mass itself at 10:30, we had to go to overflow, but it was a great Mass as well. We had another priest and he was great,” Amaury De Castelbajac, who was visiting the cathedral, said.

The priests focused their homilies on the purpose of Easter, a time for spiritual renewal.

“It shows us that hope is alive, that Jesus died on the cross for us and by rising again, there is new life, new beginning and new opportunities to begin anew and move forward,” Fr. Andy Matijevic, associated pastor at Holy Name Cathedral, said.

At a time when many people feel divided, Matijevic told the crowd to use that renewal to help unite people.

“In this divided world, in this city, the nation, the world, we of disciples of the risen Lord are called into those spaces that are divided and bring the peace that Jesus offers to all people,” Matijevic said.