Nation's largest Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe draws thousands despite cold

DES PLAINES, Ill. - Faithful worshippers braved the cold Thursday night to honor the Virgin Mary in Des Plaines.

Thursday marked the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, a celebration dedicated to the Patroness of the Americas.

Each December, thousands of people make their annual pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in the northwest suburbs for a two-day event—the largest of its kind in the nation.

"It’s a very special place in my heart and in our family’s hearts," said Federico Ornelas, pilgrim.  

Official celebrations kicked off Wednesday and lasted through Thursday.  

Whether arriving on foot, by bus, train or car, pilgrims began their journey as early as last weekend, with some traveling in caravans.

"We drove an hour and a half to get here, so it’s meaningful," said Rebecca Lopez, pilgrim.

Many Catholics travel hundreds of miles for the occasion, as it’s an opportunity to show their devotion and gratitude for the blessings they believe the Virgin Mary has provided.

Observed around the world, the Feast Day commemorates the appearance of the Virgin Mary to Aztec Indian Juan Diego on Dec. 12, 1531.

It’s a miracle that young parishioners re-enacted during Closing Mass at the Chapel of Saint Joseph on Thursday evening.

"It’s really written in a poetic way, and so they re-enact it so that people can see it and the kids can understand it. Again, everything is about family, it’s about family coming together so they can remember the story," said Very Rev. Esequiel Sanchez, director, Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

At the shrine, thousands of bouquets stacked on top of one another created a cascading wall of flowers.

Worshippers visit the site to pray, leave flowers and mementos, and seek guidance from the Our Lady of Guadalupe.  

"We asked the Virgin Mary if we could get blessed with twins, and we promised her, if we get that blessing, we’ll come here personally and bring flowers in her honor and sure enough, a year ago, we had our set of twins," said James Pruitt, pilgrim.

Through traditional song and dance, it's a momentous celebration. Each year, the shrine welcomes upwards of 300,000 visitors for the festivities.

It is also, however, a time of year where pilgrims share their most vulnerable experiences.

"This year it’s special because my brother just got diagnosed with prostate cancer, and he’s in kidney failure," said pilgrim Maritza Rojas. "Today, we come and we ask for him, for my brother, Miguel, so that she can help us out."

For so many, Our Lady of Guadalupe is a guiding light in their lives and a reminder of compassion, care, and unity.

"Every time I meet a pilgrim coming by, I always ask what they’re grateful for but also, ‘what are you concerned about?’ And for me, it’s an honor that people open their hearts to us," Fr. Sanchez said.

The shrine will continue to see an influx of visitors into the weekend.

As the celebrations wind down, some of the pilgrims who visited this week have a special journey to look forward to after the holiday season. Next month, Fr. Sanchez and Cardinal Blase Cupich, Archbishop of Chicago, will lead a pilgrimage to the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City.