Dec 11, 2024, 5:02 PM
Dec 11, 2024, 5:02 PM

Faithful risk frostbite to honor Our Lady of Guadalupe in Illinois

Highlights
  • The Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe was celebrated at the shrine in Des Plaines, Illinois, beginning at 8 p.m. on December 11, 2024.
  • Despite frigid temperatures, many faithful attended the event, participating in prayer and dancing.
  • The shrine's rector emphasized the importance of caring for pilgrims and ensuring their comfort during this significant celebration.
Story

On December 11, 2024, in Des Plaines, Illinois, the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe was celebrated with fervent devotion despite the frigid temperatures. The celebration kicked off at 8 p.m. and continued throughout the night, attracting a significant number of faithful who gathered to honor the Virgin Mother. The event featured dancing in front of the shrine, which is modeled after Tepeyac Hill in Mexico, where the Virgin Mary made her famous apparition to St. Juan Diego. Very Rev. Esequiel Sanchez, the rector of the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe, emphasized the importance of providing care for the pilgrims attending this celebration. To ensure their comfort despite the harsh weather conditions, a warming tent was established, offering hot drinks and food for the attendees. Lysette Martinez, a volunteer from Lombard, noted that the number of visitors seeking warmth increased greatly as temperatures dropped throughout the night. Personal testimonies highlighted the deeply spiritual nature of the celebration. Attendees like Ortiz shared their experiences of faith during challenging times, including medical emergencies, with a sense of gratitude to the Virgin Mary for their blessings. The environment was one of solidarity and hope as people came together to pray for loved ones, express their devotion, and reaffirm their faith. The event underscores the significance of the corresponding dedication to Our Lady of Guadalupe, which is particularly meaningful for many in the local community, with previous years seeing upwards of 400,000 pilgrims participating in the festivities. The devotions at the shrine were scheduled to continue through the following day, culminating in a closing mass at 7 p.m. on December 12, 2024. This marks the eleventh year of this vibrant celebration in Des Plaines, a testament to the enduring faith and community spirit surrounding the shrine.

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