Cardinal Blase Cupich leads an early morning Mass Monday at the annual feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Des Plaines. More than 200,000 pilgrims were expected to attend the overnight Masses and pilgrimage.
Gilbert R. Boucher II/gboucher@dailyherald.com
Cardinal Blase Cupich joined tens of thousands of Catholic pilgrims in Des Plaines on Monday to celebrate the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, which honors the belief that Jesus' mother, Mary, appeared to a man in Mexico City nearly 500 years ago.
Cupich led a 5 a.m. Mass for worshippers who flocked to the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe on the campus of Maryville Academy as part of the annual 36-hour celebration that organizers expected to draw more than 200,000 to Des Plaines by the end of the day.
The feast got underway Sunday evening, as visitors braved a winter storm - many walking miles through the snow - to pay homage.
The shrine is the only place in the world outside the Basilica in Mexico City where believers can satisfy their mandas, or promises made to the Virgin Mary, according to the church.
Visitors prayed throughout the night in front of the 12-foot replica statue of Our Lady of Guadalupe that stands in the outdoor shrine.
Thousands expected for Our Lady of Guadalupe celebration in Des Plaines
Guadalupe event organizers double security, plan for large crowds
Thousands make pilgrimage to Our Lady of Guadalupe celebration in Des Plaines
Cardinal Blase Cupich leads pilgrims in a Mass early Monday morning during the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Des Plaines. The feast is the second largest Our Lady of Guadalupe celebration in North America.
Gilbert R. Boucher II/gboucher@dailyherald.com
Cardinal Blase Cupich gives communion Monday as he celebrates Mass at the annual feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Des Plaines. More than 200,000 worshippers were expected to attend the 36-hour event.
Gilbert R. Boucher II/gboucher@dailyherald.com
Angel Lopez, left, and Guadalupe Chavez, both of Chicago, pray as Cardinal Blase Cupich leads Mass early Monday at the annual feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Des Plaines.
Gilbert R. Boucher II/gboucher@dailyherald.com
Aurelio Ocampo of Danza de los Viejtos in Chicago attends Mass early Monday celebrated by Cardinal Blase Cupich at the annual feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Des Plaines.
Gilbert R. Boucher II/gboucher@dailyherald.com
Cardinal Blase Cupich arrives for Mass early Monday at the annual feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Des Plaines.
Gilbert R. Boucher II/gboucher@dailyherald.com