Despite cold, huge crowd expected for Catholic feast in Des Plaines
One of the largest events in the Archdiocese of Chicago kicks off today in Des Plaines, with the celebration of the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
The east side of the Maryville Academy campus, now renamed the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe and located at 1170 N. River Road, with its outdoor shrine, gymnasiums, chapel and acres of land, is poised to accommodate one of the largest gatherings within the Chicago Archdiocese, which takes in Cook and Lake counties.
Last year's two-day event drew more than 120,000 people, Archdiocesan officials say, and with this year's feast taking place today and Saturday, they expect those numbers to climb as high as 200,000.
"It's a growing event," says Alejandro Castillo, Hispanics communication specialist for the Archdiocese, "and the fact that it's on a weekend, we're expecting even more people."
The magnitude of the event has drawn Cardinal Francis George, who will preside over Mass at noon Saturday.
"We're so excited. This will be his first time coming out," said Nayeli Rodriguez, staff member at the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Des Plaines.
The religious holiday is celebrated Dec. 12 throughout Mexico, but activities here begin to build on the eve of the feast day, with multiple Masses, processions, speakers and even fireworks.
"It's a fiesta," Castillo says, "to celebrate the upcoming feast."
With temperatures tonight expected to dip into the low teens, officials advise worshippers to dress warmly, but add that with the expected crowds, the effects of the cold should be abated a bit. The gymnasiums will remain open throughout the event to serve as warming centers, and large food tents will help protect patrons from the elements.
Our Lady of Guadalupe is one of Mexico's most iconic religious images, recalling the date when Mary is said to have appeared to the peasant Juan Diego outside Mexico City in 1531.
Devotion to the Patroness of the Americas is so strong that Des Plaines officials are bracing themselves for the turnout, closing down all traffic on Central Road between Wolf and East River roads overnight tonight and again Saturday evening.
Police officers from Des Plaines and neighboring Mount Prospect will be out in force to ensure safety, with as many as 40 officers assigned to Friday night's events and 30 on Saturday. Officers will be posted with squad cars and barricades at major intersections and throughout the shrine's campus.
Activities today begin at 6 p.m. with music and the rosary, before an outdoor Mass said by auxiliary Bishop Gustavo Garcia-Siller at 8 p.m. Fireworks will light up the sky at 10 p.m., before another big draw of the event: Mexican soap opera actor Eduardo Verastegui tells of his conversion back to Catholicism.
A torchlight procession follows, with an image of Our Lady of Guadalupe leading the faithful, before a youth blessing.
Saturday's feast day celebration features mariachi bands, blessings and multiple Masses, both indoors and outside. The closing Mass begins at 8 p.m. Saturday.
Feast events
Here is a schedule of events at the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe, 1170 N. River Road, Des Plaines:
Today
6 p.m.: Rosary with music (gymnasium)
7 p.m.: Songs to Our Lady
8 p.m.: Opening Mass (gymnasium)
10 p.m.: Fireworks, conference for young adults (gymnasium)
10 p.m.: Candlelight procession, blessing of Guadalupana torches and youth blessing
11:30 p.m.: Procession with the Blessed Sacrament
Saturday, Dec. 12
12 a.m.: Serenade to Our Lady of Guadalupe and Mass (gymnasium)
2:30-5 a.m.: Prayer, singing, music, dance
5 a.m.: Mass/Reception of pilgrims from Chicago churches
8 a.m.: Mass
11 a.m.: Witness testimonials
12 p.m.: Mass performed by Cardinal Francis George
3 p.m.: Mass and blessing of the sick
5 p.m.: Children's Mass and flower blessing
7-8 p.m.: Songs and preparation for closing Mass
8 p.m.: Closing Mass
For information, call (847) 294-1806.
307512Rhul Campos ties the wood which will act as a torch to light the Midnight Mass during last year's celebration in Des Plaines.Daniel White | Staff Photographer