Report: Des Plaines shrine rector removed from ministry for 'inappropriate relationship'

The rector of the Our Lady of Guadalupe shrine in Des Plaines has been removed from the ministry by Chicago Archbishop Blase Cupich for having "an inappropriate relationship with a man," ABC 7 Chicago is reporting.

The Rev. Marco Mercado issued a statement Saturday night saying that he prays the issue will be resolved and apologized if the "scandal has caused any hardship to the faithful," ABC 7 reported.

Rev. Adan Sandoval Duron has been appointed interim administrator.

Thousands of pilgrims flock to the shrine for the feast day of Our Lady of Guadalupe in an overnight celebration on the Maryville campus each December. Cupich led a Mass at last year's event in one of his first appearances in the suburbs after his installation as archbishop.

Check back to Dailyherald.com for details as they become available.