Fire-damaged church reopens on W. Side

April 14, 2012 (CHICAGO) (WLS) -- Many know Our Lady of the Angels for the deadly school fire, but Saturday there was a rebirth of sorts at the West Side church.

The church has been renovated after falling into disrepair and a rededication mass is underway and Cardinal Francis George led the service.

In 1958, a fire at the school killed 92-students and three nuns. Eventually, the archdiocese closed the church and the rebuilt school.

Recently, local volunteers came together to restore the church.

"I'm excited and exhausted all at the same time, but this day is an awesome day," said Father Bob Lombardo.

"I was married at Our Lady of Angels church," Pat Mackey said. "My first child was baptized here. I volunteer at the mission so I'm usually here once a month. So it's a special place in my heart and always will be."

The Mission at Our Lady of the Angels helps provide food for hundreds of families and operates an after school and other programs.

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local, michelle gallardo

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