Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026
MEDIA ALERT – Faith Leaders, Community Advocates, Civic Officials and Local Neighbors Gather to Mark One-Year Anniversary of Silverio Villegas González’s Death with Mass, Memorial Dedication and Community Gatherings
WHAT: Faith leaders, community advocates, civic officials and local residents will gather in Franklin Park on Saturday, Sept. 12, to mark the one-year anniversary of the death of Silverio Villegas González, killed during an encounter with ICE, with a community Mass, civic ceremony, art exhibition and neighborhood gathering.
The day’s events will also celebrate the community’s recent efforts to establish a permanent public space where neighbors can remember Silverio, grieve his death and come together in healing and solidarity. Following months of community advocacy, Franklin Park approved the site on Aug. 17 as a permanent space of remembrance.
The celebration will begin with a community Mass at 9 a.m., with Fr. Leandro Fossá, pastor of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church in Melrose Park, as the principal celebrant. Fr. Brendan Curran, O.P., of The Resurrection Project and Priests for Justice for Immigrants, will preach. Following Mass, Franklin Park officials and interfaith leaders will participate in a civic enhancement ceremony at approximately 10 a.m. The morning also will include a community art pop-up exhibit from 9 to 11 a.m., featuring the unveiling of three portraits of Silverio, along with artwork created by community members throughout the past year.
The day will conclude with a neighborhood barbecue at Chestnut Park at 3 p.m., providing an opportunity for family, friends and neighbors to gather in community and continue the remembrance.
Silverio’s death one year ago deeply affected his family, friends and neighbors, immigrant and faith communities throughout the Chicago area. Over the past year, community organizations and local leaders have maintained a memorial and created opportunities for collective grieving, community care and connection.
The permanent memorial space represents the community’s continued commitment to remembering Silverio’s life and providing a place where neighbors can come together to grieve, heal and support one another.
Participating organizations include Hijas del Pueblo, The Resurrection Project, the Scalabrinians: Missionaries of St. Charles, Coalition for Spiritual and Public Leadership, PASO – West Suburban Organizing Project, Arise Chicago, Immigrant Solidarity DuPage and local neighbors.
WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026
9 a.m. – Community Mass
Approximately 10 a.m. – Civic enhancement ceremony
9–11 a.m. – Community art pop-up
3 p.m. – Neighborhood barbecue
WHERE: Morning events: Grand Avenue and Emerson Street, Franklin Park
Neighborhood barbecue: Chestnut Park, Franklin Park
VISUAL OPPORTUNITIES:
• Community Mass and gathering of neighbors
• Unveiling of three portraits of Silverio Villegas González
• Community artwork created throughout the past year
• Remarks from community members, faith leaders and local officials
• Civic enhancement ceremony marking the permanent memorial space
• Family-friendly neighborhood barbecue
The day’s events will also celebrate the community’s recent efforts to establish a permanent public space where neighbors can remember Silverio, grieve his death and come together in healing and solidarity. Following months of community advocacy, Franklin Park approved the site on Aug. 17 as a permanent space of remembrance.
The celebration will begin with a community Mass at 9 a.m., with Fr. Leandro Fossá, pastor of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church in Melrose Park, as the principal celebrant. Fr. Brendan Curran, O.P., of The Resurrection Project and Priests for Justice for Immigrants, will preach. Following Mass, Franklin Park officials and interfaith leaders will participate in a civic enhancement ceremony at approximately 10 a.m. The morning also will include a community art pop-up exhibit from 9 to 11 a.m., featuring the unveiling of three portraits of Silverio, along with artwork created by community members throughout the past year.
The day will conclude with a neighborhood barbecue at Chestnut Park at 3 p.m., providing an opportunity for family, friends and neighbors to gather in community and continue the remembrance.
Silverio’s death one year ago deeply affected his family, friends and neighbors, immigrant and faith communities throughout the Chicago area. Over the past year, community organizations and local leaders have maintained a memorial and created opportunities for collective grieving, community care and connection.
The permanent memorial space represents the community’s continued commitment to remembering Silverio’s life and providing a place where neighbors can come together to grieve, heal and support one another.
Participating organizations include Hijas del Pueblo, The Resurrection Project, the Scalabrinians: Missionaries of St. Charles, Coalition for Spiritual and Public Leadership, PASO – West Suburban Organizing Project, Arise Chicago, Immigrant Solidarity DuPage and local neighbors.
WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026
9 a.m. – Community Mass
Approximately 10 a.m. – Civic enhancement ceremony
9–11 a.m. – Community art pop-up
3 p.m. – Neighborhood barbecue
WHERE: Morning events: Grand Avenue and Emerson Street, Franklin Park
Neighborhood barbecue: Chestnut Park, Franklin Park
VISUAL OPPORTUNITIES:
• Community Mass and gathering of neighbors
• Unveiling of three portraits of Silverio Villegas González
• Community artwork created throughout the past year
• Remarks from community members, faith leaders and local officials
• Civic enhancement ceremony marking the permanent memorial space
• Family-friendly neighborhood barbecue
Contact: Media Relations Office, 312-534-8227.
