Archbishop Blase Cupich celebrated midnight Mass at the Chapel/Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Des Plaines to welcome in the feast day for Our Lady of Guadalupe, Patroness of the Americas on December 11-12. The feast celebrates the appearance of Mary to indigenous peasant St. Juan Diego in 1531 near present-day Mexico City. The celebration is the largest of its kind outside of Mexico. Over 125,000 people were expected for the 2-day event in which many parishes make a pilgrimage by walking, riding bikes and running while carrying a torch lit from a fire at the shrine back to their respective parishes. Also included are photos from the pre-celebration on December 7.
Pilgrims make their way by the outdoor shrine to Our Lady of Guadalupe. Young and old visit the shrine over the two days and participate in the many Masses and opportunities for confession.
Photo: Karen Callaway / Catholic New World