Nation’s largest pilgrimage for Our Lady of Guadalupe begins in Des Plaines

DES PLAINES, Ill. - The country’s largest pilgrimage honoring Our Lady of Guadalupe kicks off this week in Des Plaines, drawing Catholics from across the nation to celebrate the Virgin Mary.

Beginning Wednesday, pilgrims from as far away as Washington state and California will gather for the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, a commemoration of the Virgin Mary’s 1531 appearance to Saint Juan Diego in Mexico.

"What's bringing people here is their faith. What's bringing [people] here is their concern. What's bringing [people] here… to come to us…the sense of welcome and a sense of being part of a community, being joined together in the spirit of union and faith and caring for one another," said Rev. Esequiel Sanchez, Rector of the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe. 

The festivities, held at the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe, include offerings of flowers and mementos in Mary’s honor. The two-day event is expected to attract a massive crowd, making it one of the most significant religious celebrations in the Chicago area.

Activities and ceremonies will continue through Thursday.