Somber Closing Mass Held at Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe

A Time-Honored Tradition

A somber closing mass was held at the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in suburban Des Plaines on Thursday, with thousands of Roman Catholics attending the annual event. This pilgrimage is the largest gathering of its kind outside of Mexico, drawing people from far and wide.

Personal Stories and Traditions

It’s not just the faith that brings people to the shrine, but also personal stories and traditions that are passed down through generations. For many families, this is a special occasion to reconnect with their heritage and pay homage to the Virgin Mary.

Emotional Mass Honors the Virgin Mary

The emotional mass is a time for practicing Roman Catholics to come together and honor the Virgin Mary. The event is a powerful expression of faith and devotion, with many attendees traveling great distances to attend.

Braving the Cold

As is often the case with the annual event, attendees braved blisteringly cold temperatures to attend the mass. But for many, the cold was no excuse to stay away from the shrine.

“It’s never too cold to see our Virgin Mary. Never an excuse not to see her,” said visitor Jisselle Murillo. Escobar echoed her sentiments, adding, “When it means something, the cold is not a factor.”

A Ceremonial Series of Events

The annual event began with a ceremonial series of events on Wednesday, with hundreds of thousands expected to have attended the sacred space this year.

Conclusion

The Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe is a place of deep devotion and faith, drawing people from far and wide. For many, this is a time to connect with their heritage and pay homage to the Virgin Mary. Despite the cold, thousands of Roman Catholics braved the elements to attend the mass, a testament to their unwavering commitment to their faith.

FAQs

* When: The annual mass was held on Thursday.
* Where: The Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in suburban Des Plaines.
* Attendance: Thousands of Roman Catholics attended the annual event.
* Why: To honor the Virgin Mary and pay homage to the faith.
* How: Attendees braved cold temperatures to attend the mass.