Faithful celebrate Easter Sunday, join worship services across Chicago area
Easter Bunny visits kids La Rabida Children's Hospital
CHICAGO (WLS) -- Easter celebrations were held across the Chicago on Sunday.
ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch
Local churches have been seeing a bit of a revival. Whether it be because of the new Pope Leo XIV and his local connections, or because of people looking for answers in this messy world, people have reengaged their faith.
There was a long line of people waiting to enter the 10 a.m. Mass at Holy Name Cathedral in Chicago.
READ MORE | Catholic churches expecting largest number of new members in years this Easter
Earlier in the day, at dawn, Daley Plaza in downtown Chicago was home to the 19th the annual Easter Sunrise Service.
Observances began on Holy Thursday when a 15-foot cross was raised at Daley Plaza.
Each year, different groups have sponsored what they call Cross on the Plaza in the days leading up to Easter each year.
The Easter message was be given by Pastor Juan Carlos Callan of New Life Albany Park.
It was a non-denominational service. The event brings hundreds of faithful members to pray and reflect on Easter Sunday.
Service began at 6:30 a.m.
SEE ALSO | Pope Leo urges peace in first Easter Mass, skips naming wars in Urbi et Orbi
Chicago's Historic Fourth Presbyterian Church hosted three worship services on Sunday.
A sunrise service kicked off Easter Sunday at Oak Street Beach led by clergy of Fourth Presbyterian Church.
A musical and joyful celebration begin at 9:30 a.m. at the sanctuary, located at 126 E. Chestnut Street, with processions and congregants filling Michigan Avenue.
Rev. Dr. Camille Cook Howe marked her first Easter as senior pastor at Fourth Presbyterian.
RELATED | Weekend events, egg hunts held across Chicago area ahead of Easter Sunday
Also on Sunday, the Easter Bunny hopped into La Rabida Children's Hospital to celebrate with some special kids and their families.
It helped to bring a sense of normalcy to children going through some tough health battles.
"We have presents for each of the patients and any of the siblings, and we also get to pass out beautiful handmade gift baskets that have been donated," said Allen Kutchins, Board Member at La Rabida Children's Hospital.
The baskets were filled with Easter goodies, including books and plush animals.
Tyler Rush's 10-year-son is living with autism and is currently staying at the hospital. She says the Easter gifts alleviates the pressure on parents and brings a smile to her family during this difficult time.
"On Valentine's Day we were going to a hotel," Rush said. "Cooper had an accident with his friend where he was accidentally shot in the head. It was with an air rifle pellet gun. So it is stuck in his brain and it will remain there for life."
The hospital is bringing Cooper one step closer to recovery.
"He was temporarily paralyzed on the whole left side of his body so when we came here, he couldn't walk, move, or even like move his eyes to the side. And as you see he's very mobile now," Rush said. "Honestly this place has been more like a home than home has been"
The special gesture on Easter Sunday brings normalcy to the children's lives while they receive treatment.
"We have a lot of patients who don't have families, so having something like this for them brightens up their day, make a smile. Puts a smile on the staff too," said Catalina Torres, Child Life Specialist at La Rabida Children's Hospital.
