DES PLAINES (WBBM NEWSRADIO) - Hundreds of thousands of Roman Catholic pilgrims will continue gathering at the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Des Plaines today.
Monday night, leaders of the Chicago Archdiocese blessed a newly rebuilt chapel on the grounds of the shrine that was damaged by an arsonist back in May.
Pilgrims have been arriving for more than a week to bring flowers and make or fulfill promises to the Virgin Mary, also known as Our Lady of Guadalupe, who Catholics believe appeared to Saint Juan Diego on this day nearly 500 years ago.
Hundreds came on horseback and in semi trucks as well as those who walk from their parishes.
Jackie and her Candelaro came from Maywood to visit the shrine. She said they come because her husband arrived in the U.S. on the Virgin Mary’s birthday seven years ago.
“He’s like, ‘I have to go see her and bring her some flowers because thanks to her I was able to make it here safely and sound,’” Jackie said.
Deacon John Washington said pilgrims travel from all over the country to come to visit the shrine. While Our Lady holds a special place for the people of Mexico, she is also the Empress of the Americas, drawing migrants who have come to Chicago from Central and South America.
"[They] feel as if they're getting embraced and feel as if those burdens that they've brought with them over their migratory journey can finally be offered up," Washington said. Especially people who are traveling thousands of miles to come to a place of safety, when they come here, they finally feel like they're at home in the arms of Mary."
Masses, dancing and fireworks are part of the celebration for Our Lady of Guadalupe, which will end this evening.
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