Catholic pilgrims gathering in Des Plaines for annual feast

Bundled against the cold and prepared for hours of prayer, singing and reflection, thousands of Catholic pilgrims converged on Des Plaines late Thursday as part of a tradition that goes back nearly 500 years.

The two-day Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe typically draws as many as 300,000 people to the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe at Maryville Academy.

The event commemorates reported visions of Jesus' mother, Mary, near Mexico City in 1531. This year it falls amid heightened tensions in Mexican American communities resulting from increased immigration enforcement activities.

“To me this is about faith, and at the end of the day having something always to look forward to, and always to be thankful for power of above,” said Alex Gutierrez of Des Plaines during his first visit to the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

When asked if he was concerned about the possibility of ICE showing up, Gutierrez said, “No, as being a US citizen, I have nothing to be afraid of. But for the rest of our people that is a valid concern, it is a genuine concern.”

Masses, prayers and other activities began Thursday night and will continue Friday at the shrine, 1170 N. River Road. Events are being livestreamed at facebook.com/ShrineGuadalupe and youtube.com/@santuarioguadalupe.

Admission is free.

For more information about activities and parking, visit solg.org.