Worshippers mark All Souls Day at Des Plaines shrine

Catholics from across the region gathered under cloudy skies Wednesday afternoon at the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Des Plaines to mark All Souls Day.

As part of the special celebration, families created traditional altars on the grounds surrounding the shrine in honor of their deceased loved ones, with photos, memorabilia, favorite foods and the traditional "pan de muerto," or bread of the dead. The altars replicated those created at cemeteries throughout the world, including Mexico, Central and South America and Europe.

The Rev. Esequiel Sánchez, rector of the shrine, later led an All Souls Day Mass, which was followed by a procession to the location of the altars, where he stopped at each to give a blessing. The celebration wrapped up with serenades and traditional Mexican music.