Pilsen parishioners protest reconfigured churches

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Parishioners in Pilsen are fighting to keep their churches open after the Archdiocese announced plans to reconfigure two parishes last week.

Members of Providence of God Church held a 24-hour prayer vigil outside Holy Name Cathedral. They want Archbishop Blase Cupich to reconsider changing their parish on 18th Street which was visited in by Pope John Paul II in 1979.

At St. Aldabert's in the 1600-block of 17th Place, church members signed petitions to save the parish Sunday morning.

The Archdiocese says St. Aldabert's is closing because it needs extensive repairs which the church cannot afford to do.