Thousands of devoted Catholics gathered at the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Des Plaines, braving frigid temperatures on Thursday to celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, a significant feast honoring Mary, the mother of Jesus.
The festivities kicked off early on Thursday morning, with worshippers flocking to St. Joseph’s Chapel for Mass. The event draws a large number of pilgrims annually, and this year was no exception, with many arriving the night before to partake in the celebrations.
Carlos Gamboa, a local participant, expressed the deep significance of the occasion, saying, “It’s something beautiful to me. It’s something meaningful. It’s giving thanks to the Virgin Mary for helping me out through my personal tough year.”
Guadalupe Terrazas, who traveled from Texas, shared her long-standing tradition of attending this annual event. “I’m so glad to see people here even though it’s too cold,” she remarked, highlighting the spirit of community and faith that endures despite the harsh weather.
The celebration at the shrine is recognized as the largest gathering of its kind outside of Mexico, showcasing the strong devotion among participants. Many attendees honor the tradition of bringing roses and lighting candles, a practice passed down through generations. Eliud Raygosa noted, “Now it’s our turn. It’s something we grew up with,” emphasizing the importance of maintaining religious traditions.
Some pilgrims took on the challenge of walking significant distances in the cold, like Jennifer Ramos, whose family attempted to walk for hours amid wind chills that dipped as low as -7 degrees Fahrenheit.
The day’s schedule included additional services and events, culminating with a final Mass at 7 p.m. This annual gathering exemplifies the unwavering faith and resilience of the community, shining a light on the power of tradition and spirituality even in the most challenging circumstances.
The positive message of this article lies in the collective commitment of individuals to uphold their traditions, celebrate their faith, and support one another, fostering a sense of hope and community that transcends the harshest of weathers.