Our Lady of Guadalupe Shrine in Des Plaines welcomes pilgrims for annual feast with new entrance after a pandemic hiatus
The massive pilgrimages for the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe that draw more than 200,000 devotees every Dec. 12 to the shrine in Des Plaines will resume after last year’s pause.
The festivities to pay homage to the Patroness of the Americas will begin Saturday, when the shrine welcomes the first pilgrimage: Equestrians paying tribute to the Guadalupana on their horses through the new shrine entrance.
But the main celebration, when most pilgrims arrive by foot, bike and in caravans will take place throughout the night of Dec. 11 and into Dec 12, honoring the day on which it is said the Virgin Mary appeared to St. Juan Diego in Mexico City in 1531.
The new entrance, designed in a colonial style with archways, “is a sign of hope amid this disease that plagues our world,” said the Rev. Esequiel Sanchez, rector of the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe, at 1170 N. River Road.
In May, the shrine launched a campaign that raised $800,000 to fund the new entrance, which will be inaugurated at noon Saturday just before the first pilgrimage arrives. Sanchez said the design of the entrance is in the form of outstretched arms “symbolizing Our Lady’s giving all who visit a welcoming hug.”
Social distancing between groups and families will be encouraged, and everyone who attends is required to wear a face mask outdoors and inside any facility on-site.
“Be careful, but not be afraid; fear is a source of much of our pain, we come to offer our fears in prayer to God through Our Lady,” said Sanchez during a news conference Wednesday detailing the program of the celebrations and masses.
Sanchez acknowledged that members of the Latino community, many of whom are devoted to the Virgin Mary, have been disproportionally hard hit by the pandemic, but he also said that faith has been a source of strength. He said the feast aims to provide hope and healing for those who are still suffering.
The gathering at the Cerrito de Tepeyac in Des Plaines is the largest celebration for the Feast of Our Lady Guadalupe after Mexico City’s, rallying people from all over the Chicago area, suburbs and even nearby states, according to church officials.
The Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Des Plaines is the most visited monument of its kind in the United States. At least 50% of the Catholics in the Chicago area are Latinos, said Alejandro Castillo, a spokesperson for the Chicago Archdiocese.
Many make the annual journey to the shrine to mirror the pilgrimages done in Mexico to fulfill a promise — a manda ― or give thanks to the Virgin Mary for blessings and protection. Others do it as a sacrifice as they pray for a specific need or concern.
Last year, the image of Our Lady of Guadalupe, the first replica of the sacred cloak with her image in Mexico’s basilica, was taken down and stored away to deter people from congregating for the special day.
This year, the Illinois Department of Public Health will provide free COVID-19 vaccinations, including booster shots, to eligible children and adults on-site.
The two-day celebration will begin with an opening Mass at 7 p.m. Dec. 11, followed by fireworks to celebrate the return of the devotees.
“Las Mañanitas,” the traditional serenade to Our Lady of Guadalupe, will begin at 11 p.m. Dec. 11. Additional live music and folkloric dance performances by choirs, groups and pilgrims from around the Midwest are scheduled throughout Dec. 12.
Sanchez recommended that devotees attend in groups and register the group before the feast. Like previous years, free parking will be available at nearby lots with shuttles available to the shrine. The Des Plaines Police Department plans a large presence and several street closures from Dec. 11 through the 12th to ensure the safety of the attendees and travelers through the area, said Cmdr. Matthew Bowler.
“For those walking for the event, please dress for the weather,” Bowler said.
Those not participating in the event should avoid River Road and Central Road in Des Plaines, starting at 5 p.m. Dec 11. Central Road from Wolf Road, to East River Road, will be closed through the weekend, starting Dec. 10.
No pets, alcohol or weapons will be allowed on the premises.
