Feast Of Our Lady Of Guadalupe Brings Thousands To Des Plaines

DES PLAINES, IL — As it has annually for the past decade, a celebration to honor Our Lady of Guadalupe, the patron saint of Mexico, is bringing thousands of Catholic pilgrims to Des Plaines. The two-day event continues Tuesday with a full day and night of religious programming at the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe planned.

This year's event has special meaning following an arson fire at the site earlier this year. In May, an Arlington Heights woman was charged with felony arson after she reportedly started a fire at the shrine and then continued to throw various objects onto the blaze. The fire caused nearly $80,000 in damage to the outdoor chapel. In addition, several pieces of statuary and sacred art were also damaged.

A GoFundMe campaign raised nearly $30,000 to reconstruct the chapel.

The Guadalupana festivals at the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe are among the largest gatherings to honor the Virgin Mary in the world. According to the organization's website, prayer ceremonies are being held throughout Tuesday with a final Mass planned for 7 p.m. at 1170 N. River Road.

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