Bucktown's St. Hedwig Parish Glows After Historic Canonization — Plus a New Art Show Lands on N. Damen

By Socialhood News · Il/Chicago/Bucktown · May 5, 2026

Bucktown's community spirit was on full display this week as St. Hedwig Church hosted a special viewing of a relic from Carlo Acutis — the Catholic Church's first millennial saint, canonized earlier this spring. The parish, which has since been renamed St. Carlo Acutis Parish in his honor, welcomed neighbors and parishioners to Tuesday evening Mass to mark the milestone, part of a series of festivities that will continue through the anniversary of Acutis' death on October 12. It's a remarkable chapter for one of Bucktown's most storied faith communities, and a moment that's drawing visitors from across the North Side.

Meanwhile, the neighborhood's arts scene is getting a fresh infusion of creativity. Chicago Sculpture International — headquartered at its CSI Project Space gallery at 1912 N. Damen Ave. — has unveiled plans for a new exhibition called "Moonlight: Out of the Chaos," brought to life by CSI member and artist Kasia Kay. The show promises a bold, fresh take on the gallery experience in one of Bucktown's most creative corridors. CSI has also been invited to participate in the Old Town Art Fair this June, giving the Damen Avenue hub even more visibility citywide.

Whether you're stopping by St. Carlo Acutis Parish to pay your respects or wandering into the CSI Project Space to catch the new exhibition, this is a week that reminds us just how rich and layered Bucktown's community really is. Stop in, soak it up, and bring a neighbor along.

Sources:
1. https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/tag/bucktown/
2. https://www.chicagosculpture.org/newsletter/january-2026-news-eesft-cfwn6-63jzz-yagw8