Life-size sculpture of Our Lady of Guadalupe to visit Des Plaines

The Archdiocese of Chicago prepares to welcome the Pilgrim Mother, Our Lady of Guadalupe, visiting as of Aug. 27. As the first stop in the United States of this international tour, the city will host various prayer events and cultural activities at the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe, 1170 N. River Road, Des Plaines, as well as in several key parishes of the Archdiocese.

This unique veneration and experiential event will include two digital reproductions of the original image of the Virgin of Guadalupe, one of Saint Juan Diego, and a hyperrealistic life-size sculpture of Our Lady, all of which have been blessed by the Rector of the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City, Monsignor Efraín Hernández Díaz.

The sculpture was created by Jorge Ismael Rodríguez, a recognized Mexican artist, and faithfully represents the sacred image. The experience will also offer original music and narrated reflections recounting the history of the Tepeyac apparitions. Sight, sound, and prayer will allow attendees to live a unique moment of veneration, symbolizing peace, unity and the renewal of faith.

“This veneration experience will awaken a renewed sense of devotion and will build the ties between our nations,” said Monsignor Hernández Díaz. “We hope it may inspire new generations to discover the profound significance of being Guadalupan. From Tepeyac to Chicago, we hope to see you very soon.”

This initiative has been made possible thanks to the support of its main benefactor, Víctor González Dr. Simi, founding president of Farmacias Similares de México, and to the vision of Martín Achirica Ramos, the creator of this experience.

The exhibition will be open to the public after Opening Mass at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 27, in the St. Joseph Chapel at the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe. The display will remain in the shrine until Tuesday, Sept. 30.

Afterward it will be moved to St. Gall Parish, 5511 S. Sawyer Ave., Chicago, from Oct. 1-14. Finally, it will visit the Mother of the Americas Parish, 3047 W. Cermak Road, Chicago, from Oct. 15-28.

All of these events are free and open to the public. For more information and registration, visit solg.org.