1896

Father Wilhelm Grutza, Pastor, commissions architect Erhard Brielmaier to design plans for a new church resembling St. Peter's Basilica in Rome. Father Grutza purchases U.S. Post Ofiice and Customs House in Chicago. Materials shipped by 500 flatcars to Milwaukee.

1901

Formal dedication of St. Josaphat Church.

1910

Conventual Franciscan Friars assume ownership and pastoral care of parish at the request of Archbishop Messmer.

1928

Artists Conrad Scmitt and Gonippo Raggi complete the interior.

1929

Pope Pius XI declares St. Josaphat Church the third basilica in the United States.

1991

The St. Josaphat Basilica Foundation is formed and undertakes a capital campaign for the restoration and renovation of this historic landmark.

2000

Basilica of St. Josaphat celebrates the Holy Year of the Great Jubilee with the opening of the Pope John Paul II Pavilion (Basilica Visitors' Center).

1888-1901

Rev. Wilhelm Grutza

1901-1907

Rev. Anthony Pradzinski

1907-1910

Rev. Joseph Knitter

1910-1914

Very Rev. Hyacinth Fudzinski, OFM Conv.

1914-1942

Very Rev. Felix Baran, OFM Conv.

1942-1948

Very Rev. Paul Czubaj, OFM Conv.

1948-1951

Very Rev. Bronislaus Swiszcz, OFM Conv.

1951-1957

Very Rev. Gabriel Ignaszak, OFM Conv.

1957-1963

Very Rev. Paul Czubaj, OFM Conv.

1963-

Very Rev. Bartholomew Snella, OFM Conv.

1963-1966

Very Rev. Eugene Piasecki, OFM Conv.

1966-1970

Very Rev. Constantine Zielinski, OFM Conv.

1970-1972

Very Rev. Ralph Vala, OFM Conv.

1972-1975

Very Rev. James Kowalski, OFM Conv.

1975-1979

Very Rev. Anselm Romb, OFM Conv.

1979-1987

Very Rev. Thaddeus Wiktorek, OFM Conv.

1987-1994

Very Rev. Michael Rozewicz, OFM Conv.

2005-

Very Rev. James M. Jankowski, OFM Conv.