ALBANY PARK — As Our Lady of Mercy celebrates the Filipino tradition of Simbang Gabi, the church welcomes Archbishop Blase Cupich, the new head of Chicago's Catholic archdiocese, to lead the congregation during Tuesday's service.
Simbang Gabi is a series of nine consecutive masses held in the days leading up to Christmas. Scores of Chicago-area churches are hosting masses throughout the novena, which began Dec. 15.
Tuesday's mass at Our Lady of Mercy, 4432 N. Troy St., is scheduled for 7 p.m. Open seating will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
The archbishop is expected to arrive at 5:30 p.m. for a private reception at the rectory. A public reception will be held after the mass, 8:30-10 p.m., in Ryan Hall, in Our Lady of Mercy's lower level, according to a notice in Ald. Deb Mell's newsletter.
Mell (33rd) is advising residents of the potential for parking and traffic congestion near the church. Our Lady of Mercy is asking guests to carpool, take public transportation or walk to the church.
Cupich was installed in November as the successor to Cardinal Francis George.
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