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The Canons Of St. John Cantius: 5 Surprising Facts About The Chicago Community’s Tradition And Turmoil

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The Canons Regular of St. John Cantius (SJC), a religious community based in Chicago, Illinois, have become one of the most visible and talked-about groups in the Catholic Church today, primarily due to their deep commitment to the reverent celebration of the liturgy in both its ancient and modern forms. Founded in 1998, the Canons have made headlines in late 2024 and 2025 for significant changes in leadership and major international plans, even while navigating the shadow of a past controversy involving their founder.

As of December 2025, the community continues its mission of restoring the sacred in parish life, focusing on solemn liturgies, sacred music, and the preservation of stunning church architecture. Their dedication to the Traditional Latin Mass (TLM) and the Ordinary Form (Novus Ordo) has made their mother church, St. John Cantius Church in Chicago, a pilgrimage site for Catholics seeking a profound sense of the sacred. The following details the community's current status, key figures, and the unique aspects that define their apostolate.

Key Figures and Biographical Profiles

The history of the Canons Regular of St. John Cantius is intrinsically linked to two major figures: the founder, who set the community's traditionalist vision, and the current Superior General, who guides its mission today.

Fr. C. Frank Phillips, C.R. (Founder)

  • Role: Founder of the Canons Regular of St. John Cantius.
  • Founding Date: Established the community in 1998 with the approval of Francis Cardinal George, O.M.I., and the Congregation of the Resurrection.
  • Apostolate: Served as the pastor of St. John Cantius Church in Chicago for many years, spearheading the restoration of the parish church and establishing the community's distinctive liturgical style.
  • Controversy and Removal (2018): Removed from his role as pastor and superior in March 2018 by Cardinal Blase Cupich of the Archdiocese of Chicago following "credible" allegations of misconduct involving adult men.
  • Current Status: Remains barred from public ministry and has been asked by his religious superior to relocate, demonstrating the Church's firm stance on accountability.

Very Rev. Joshua S. Caswell, SJC (Current Superior General)

  • Role: Current Superior General of the Canons Regular of St. John Cantius.
  • Ordination: Ordained to the priesthood by Francis Cardinal George, O.M.I., in Chicago.
  • Leadership: Has been re-elected to the position of Superior General, leading the community through a period of growth and ecclesiastical change, including the mandates of Traditionis Custodes.
  • Recent Activity (2023): Informally greeted Pope Francis at a General Audience in November 2023, a sign of continued communication with the Holy See.
  • 2024 Update: Oversaw the appointment of a new pastor for St. John Cantius Church in January 2024, signaling a significant shift in parish leadership and stability for the community.

1. Their Unwavering Commitment to the Traditional Latin Mass (TLM)

The Canons Regular are perhaps best known for their profound dedication to the ancient liturgical traditions of the Catholic Church. This commitment is not merely a preference but a core element of their apostolate, which they practice within the context of parish ministry.

They offer the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass in both the Ordinary Form (Novus Ordo, celebrated in English and Latin) and the Extraordinary Form (Traditional Latin Mass or Tridentine Mass, according to the 1962 Roman Missal). This dual offering, often referred to as "both forms" or the "reform of the reform," is what draws thousands of faithful to their parishes. Their liturgies are celebrated with a high degree of solemnity, utilizing Gregorian Chant, polyphony, and traditional vestments to foster a sense of the transcendent.

In a post-Traditionis Custodes environment, the Canons have worked closely with the Archdiocese of Chicago and the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois to ensure the continuation of their unique liturgical life. While some restrictions have been instituted at their mission parishes, the community remains committed to their founding charism of preserving the devotions, sacred music, and artistic traditions of the Church.

2. The Restoration of Sacred Art and Architecture

Beyond the liturgy, a major pillar of the Canons' work is the physical restoration of sacred spaces. Their mother church, St. John Cantius Church in Chicago, is a masterpiece of Polish Cathedral style architecture that the Canons rescued from decay.

The community has undertaken massive restoration projects, treating the church building as a work of art dedicated to the glory of God. This includes the painstaking restoration of murals, stained glass, and altars. The goal is to create an environment where the faithful can "rediscover a profound sense of the sacred" through beauty. This commitment to sacred art and architecture extends to their other thriving parishes, such as St. Peter's Church in Volo, Illinois, where they apply the same principles of restoration and reverence.

3. A Community Focused on the 2025 Jubilee Year and Global Reach

Looking ahead to 2025, the Canons Regular are actively planning a pilgrimage to Rome for the Holy Year of Jubilee. This initiative highlights their connection to the universal Church and their desire to participate in major global Catholic events.

Furthermore, the Superior General, Very Rev. Joshua S. Caswell, SJC, has been noted for his interactions with the Holy See. A peculiar yet official statement from the community's website references an upcoming meeting in September 2025 with an unusually named pontiff, "Pope Leo XIV," which has sparked curiosity and discussion among followers about the community's future and its relationship with the highest levels of the Church. This event, while shrouded in mystery, underscores the community's focus on its canonical status and its future within the institutional Church.

The Canons' influence extends beyond the Midwest, with members recruited from across the United States and Canada, all dedicated to a life of prayer, communal living, and the sacramental apostolate.

4. Navigating the Founder's Controversy and the January 2024 Leadership Change

A significant challenge in the community’s history was the removal of its founder, Fr. C. Frank Phillips, in 2018. The allegations of misconduct involving adult men led to his permanent removal from public ministry, a decision upheld by the Archdiocese of Chicago. This event placed the young community under intense scrutiny.

However, the community has shown resilience, continuing its mission under new leadership. In January 2024, the Canons Regular announced a "significant change" with the appointment of a new pastor for St. John Cantius Church. This change, which was described as a reflection of God's continued blessings, further stabilized the community's structure and ensured continuity in their liturgical and parochial life, allowing them to focus fully on their mission rather than past turmoil.

5. Their Unique Augustinian Canonical Status

The Canons Regular of St. John Cantius are a religious institute, specifically a community of canons regular. This means their members are priests and brothers who live a common life, take religious vows, and serve in the context of parish ministry, similar to the Canons Regular of St. Augustine.

Their life combines the contemplative elements of a monastic order with the active ministry of a diocesan priest. This blend is what allows them to dedicate themselves to a rigorous schedule of prayer and chant while simultaneously managing thriving parishes, engaging in catechetical instruction, and undertaking massive restoration projects. Their unique canonical status provides the framework for their distinctive "sacramental and liturgical apostolate."

canons of st john cantius
canons of st john cantius

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