Catholic pilgrims gathering in Des Plaines for annual feast

Bundled against the cold and prepared for hours of prayer, singing and reflection, 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. It commemorates reported visions of Jesus' mother, Mary, near Mexico City in 1531.

“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,” Des Plaines resident Alex Gutierrez said.

This year’s gathering falls amid heightened tensions in Mexican American communities resulting from increased immigration enforcement activities. A U.S. citizen, Gutierrez said he wasn’t afraid immigration agents might show up at the shrine.

“But for the rest of our people, that is a valid concern,” he said.

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

Admission is free, but parking at the shrine requires a fee during certain hours.

For more information, visit solg.org.