Catholics from across the United States descended upon the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Des Plaines, Illinois on Sunday to take part in a pilgrimage honoring the patron saint of the Americas. The annual celebration, which marks the feast day of Our Lady of Guadalupe, is one of the most significant cultural and religious observances in the world.
The story of Our Lady of Guadalupe dates back to December 12, 1531, when the Virgin Mary is said to have appeared to Juan Diego, a peasant who later became a saint. Every year, thousands of people come to the shrine to express their gratitude, ask for help, and celebrate the Virgin Mary. This year, the theme of the celebration is peace and unity.
Abigail Gonzalez and her mother Betty Guevara were among the visitors on Sunday. Betty has been visiting the shrine every year since she was a child. “I always believed in her,” she said. “I had so many miracles in my life that I had to go through. I always prayed and had faith in her and I know it came true.”
The shrine was covered in flowers and candles, and visitors were snapping photos, laying flowers, and lighting candles in honor of Our Lady of Guadalupe. “For me, I teach her and my little ones, it’s important,” said Guevara.
Officials are expecting more than 200,000 people to visit the shrine through Tuesday. The procession to Des Plaines will be televised on Telemundo Chicago and NBC 5 Chicago. The schedule of events includes a live opening mass, fireworks after mass, a traditional birthday serenade, and a midnight mass.
In addition to the live coverage, expanded digital and social media coverage will be featured on multiple platforms, including Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok. There will also be a live stream of the 8 p.m. opening mass on the NBC Chicago News 24/7 live streaming channel.
The Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe is a place of peace and unity, and a reminder of the power of faith. It is a place where people come together to celebrate the Virgin Mary and ask for her guidance and protection. This year’s celebration is sure to be a special one, and a reminder of the importance of faith in our lives.
