Avondale in Chicago in Cook County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Rev. Jerzy Popiełuszko

Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, May 22, 2025

1. Rev. Jerzy Popiełuszko Marker

Inscription. [Polish language text etched onto the cross:]
W hołdzie księdzu Jerzemu Popiełuszce
Bojownikowi o prawa człowieka zamordowanemu przez komunistow w Polsce w dniu 19 Października 1984 R.

[English language text etched onto the base:]
In memory of Rev. Jerzy Popiełuszko
Defender of human rights murdered by the communists in Poland on October 19, 1984

[Slab in front of the memorial:]
Błogosławiony
Blessed Martyr
6-VI-2010

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Government & Politics • Heroes • Religion & Religious Structures • War, Cold. A significant historical date for this entry is October 19, 1984.

Location. 41° 56.013′ N, 87° 43.097′ W. Marker is in Chicago, Illinois, in Cook County. It is in Avondale. It is on West Wolfram Street east of North Lawndale Avenue, on the left when traveling east. The memorial is in a fenced garden just east (left) of the main entrance to St. Hyacinth Basilica. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 3636 West Wolfram Street, Chicago IL 60618, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the American Midwest

and on the Great Lakes.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Viceroyalty of New France,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

and the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: St. Hyacinth Parish World War I Memorial (here, next to this marker); St. Stanislaus Kostka Auditorium Crowned Eagle (within shouting distance

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of this marker); Veterans Memorial (approx. 0.4 miles away); Florsheim Shoe Company Building (approx. 0.6 miles away); (Former) Kimbell Trust and Savings Bank (approx. 0.6 miles away); The Boulevard System (approx. 0.7 miles away); Logan Square • Palmer Square (approx. 0.7 miles away); Logan Square Boulevards (approx. ¾ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Chicago.

More about this marker. St. Hyacinth is one of three churches in Illinois that have been designated as a minor basilica by the Roman Catholic Church. St. Hyacinth was awarded basilica status in 2003 by Pope John Paul II, who is also honored with a statue in this fenced area just west of the church.

Regarding Rev. Jerzy Popiełuszko. Fr. Jerzy Popiełuszko was ordained in 1972 and, serving in parishes in Warsaw, became known for his support of workers and unionists in the Solidarity movement, often criticizing Poland's communist regime. On October 19, 1984, Fr. Popiełuszko was kidnapped by three members of Poland's secret police and thrown into a reservoir, where his body was

Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, May 22, 2025

2. Rev. Jerzy Popiełuszko Marker

A close-up of the memorial's text

found about 10 days later. His funeral in November 1984 was attended by close to 1 million people. In 2010, the Roman Catholic Church recognized Fr. Popiełuszko as a martyr and beatified him, beginning the process of sainthood.

According to an article by the Polish Museum of America, this memorial to Fr. Popiełuszko at Chicago's St. Hyacinth Church, founded in the famously Polish Avondale neighborhood, was dedicated in 1985 by the Illinois Division of the Polish American Congress. Other memorials to Fr. Popiełuszko can be found in Polish neighborhoods around the United States, including ones in Brooklyn, Trenton, N.J., and New Haven, Conn.

Also see . . .
1. Polish priest, martyr and hero: Remembering Fr. Jerzy Popiełuszko.

Excerpt from Catholic News Agency: "His crimes: encouraging peaceful resistance to Communism via the radio waves of Radio Free Europe, and working as chaplain to the workers of the Solidarność (Solidarity) movement and trade union, which was known for its opposition to Communism."

(Submitted on May 22, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.)

2. The Making of a Martyr: The Murder of Father Jerzy Popieluszko. An article by the Association for Diplomatic Studies and Training (Submitted on May 23, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.)

3. Commemorating the 40th Anniversary of Father Jerzy Popiełuszko’s Death. A 2024 article

Bas relief at the bottom of the memorial image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, May 22, 2025

3. Bas relief at the bottom of the memorial

The text, which appears to be in Polish, was unable to be transcribed or translated.

from the Chicago-based Polish Museum of America looks at the life and legacy of Fr. Jerzy Popiełuszko.

Excerpt: "In 1985, the Illinois Division of the Polish American Congress, led by Alderman Roman Pucinski, unveiled a monument in memory of Father Popiełuszko at St. Hyacinth Church in Chicago."

(Submitted on May 23, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.)

St. Hyacinth Basilica, Chicago image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, May 22, 2025

4. St. Hyacinth Basilica, Chicago

Three notable memorials can be seen in this garden just west of the basilica. From left to right: A statue of Pope John Paul II; a memorial to Jerzy Popiełuszko, a Polish priest killed by Polish secret police in 1984; and a 1924 memorial dedicated in honor of the St. Hyacinth Parish's World War I veterans.

Jerzy Popiełuszko (1947-1984) image. Click for full size.

Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons, 1984

5. Jerzy Popiełuszko (1947-1984)

Credits. This page was last revised on March 4, 2026. It was originally submitted on May 22, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois. This page has been viewed 113 times since then and 30 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on May 22, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.