Illinois community ups efforts to prevent strip club opening

A prayer vigil and novena are among the steps a small community in Illinois is taking to prevent the opening of a multi-million dollar strip club next door to a convent in a residential area.

On July 2, over 130 children, parents and young adults came together for a prayer vigil and Eucharistic Adoration at the Missionary Sisters of St. Charles Borromeo convent in Melrose Park.

“Today is a testament to the spiritual courage of this community who came together for what is important to their families and this community,” Sister Noemia Silva said in a statement Monday.

In addition to the vigil, the convent is opening its doors to host a novena from July 3-9. The prayerful events come after a crowd of over 500 people silently marched through the town in March as a sign of protest.

Sister Silva called the club “unacceptable,” adding that community members “are appalled that this strip club was built not only next to our convent, but also right next to the residential homes where children live.”

The club, “Get It,” was scheduled to open in April during Holy Week, but road construction in front of building and internal issues have significantly delayed the grand opening.

With a population of less than 5,000, Stone Park – which borders Melrose Park where the convent is located – is already home to five adult entertainment venues. [More]

SOURCE

CNA