In Des Plaines, Illinois, despite the chilly weather, thousands are embarking on a pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe starting Thursday.
Organizers describe the annual event as a source of inspiration for faith and hope.
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The pilgrimage has officially commenced, with a continuous flow of visitors arriving.
“After months of preparation, we are thrilled to welcome hundreds of thousands of attendees. Our Lady of Guadalupe is ready to embrace everyone with open arms,” shared media volunteer Andy Lepe.
This 24-hour celebration typically attracts up to 300,000 people from various parts of the nation.
“The Virgin of Guadalupe has worked numerous miracles for me,” said Jose Beltran from Elmhurst. “Whether they’re miracles or not, she’s done so much for me, and I’m incredibly grateful for everything.”
Beltran said he visits the shrine often and has crawled on his knees to her sanctuary as some do to pray for her help.
“When my wife was diagnosed with cancer, I’ve come and asked her if there’s anything she could do for me for my wife and I don’t know if it was a miracle from her or not so for my wife she’s gone four years already and so far, my fingers crossed nothing has happened,” Beltran said.
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Millions have brought flowers and prayers to the Des Plaines shrine since the mid-1980s.
“We do see a lot of people from all over the Midwest, at times we have seen people from Europe from different countries specifically, Mexico, Canada, South America, Latin America,” Lepe said. “It’s very heartwarming and it’s very touching just to see the amount of people who come to pay their respects and pay their dues to our lady of Guadalupe.”
“It’s very important for my life because sometimes if I have a problem, I come and she helps everybody,” Fabian Herrera, shrine visitor, said. “All the people from different countries come here and some go to Mexico City with the Basilica. This is beautiful. So many people love Guadalupe.”
This year, however, the ongoing immigration crackdown has many people concerned, so it’s unclear how those fears might impact turnout.
Church leaders said events will happen as scheduled and federal agents will not be allowed on church grounds, without arrest warrants. And for those who feel, events will also be streamed online.
“For any reason, if they don’t feel safe at all, then we encourage that person to contact another person so that they can make their visit for them,” Lepe said.
Volunteer Patty Gomez took a moment to give thanks and pray for others.
“Thankful for myself and my loved ones and those that I know,” Gomez said. “Special prayer for those you are sick and those who are in difficult situations with immigration.”
The shrine staff has plan in case federal agents attempt immigration action.
Praying of the rosary began at noon in the plaza. The opening Mass celebration is scheduled for 8 p.m. Thursday, followed by a fireworks show.
“I feel good to be honest,” visitor Natalie Merlos said. “I feel like it’s always good to reconnect myself to her. It’s just very special.”
Some who were at the shrine Thursday knew there would be some watching from afar.
“At least at home they will be praying, and I know there will be a lot of people praying for them as well,” vistor Karla Carmona said. “Hopefully these prayers will get all the way to God and hoping next year will be a much much better one for all of us.”
Volunteer Jennifer Nava brought her younger brother to help with all the flowers brought to the shrine.
“It’s just a good experience to look back on, and wow I’m glad I did this,” Nava said.
Five years ago, Nava explained she came t the shrine in despair to get out of an abusive situation. She says she did that and achieved other things she hadn’t thought possible.
“It’s been really life changing,” Nava said. “It’s really emotional to be here. It took me a lot to get out of where I was at,”
So every year since, Nava comes to the shrine to be of service.
“When you are here everyone’s faith, you don’t feel the cold, you don’t feel anything,” Nava said. “It’s a very beautiful experience.”
