(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — As a shrine in Des Plaines prepares for hundreds of thousands of visitors for the celebration of the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, the rector is offering words of hope and caution.
The Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Des Plaines hosts the celebration on Dec. 11 and 12.
Rector Esequiel Sanchez said the gathering of people is especially important in the wake of the pandemic.
But with large crowds expected, Sanchez said visitors must protect themselves from COVID.
“We do not drop our guard,” he told WBBM Newsradio on Wednesday. “We invite all pilgrims that come to at least wear a mask. Wear your masks because we’re coming to a place that will be crowded. We also encourage all our parishioners and all of our pilgrims, when it comes to coronavirus — be careful, not be afraid.”
He also urged visitors who have not received COVID vaccines to get them.
During the festival, Sanchez said, the Illinois Department of Public Health will be offering free COVID vaccinations to visitors.
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