Pilgrims to the Our Lady of Guadalupe Shrine in Des Plaines are known for weathering the cold and the elements as a sign of their faith. They come by the tens of thousands for the annual event commemorating the day Catholics believe the Virgin Mary appeared before Saint Juan Diego in Mexico in 1531.
But will the those same pilgrims come in the midst of the Trump Administration’s current immigration crackdown? The rector of the Shrine said Monday he hopes they do.
“I have been calling on the community to take some courage and come to the pilgrimage,” said Rev. Esiquiel Sanchez.
But, he says, if they don’t feel safe before any reason, “it’s OK.” Many of the services will be livestreamed, he said. (Watch live on Telemundo Chicago here)
Spiritual health, Sanchez said, will be a focus of this year’s celebrations.
“We are going out of our way this year to make sure you have a more festive experience, a more welcoming experience,” Sanchez said.
More than 400 volunteers at the shrine have been trained to be sensitive to current events, he said.
Sanchez has not said ICE is “not welcome” at the masses and services here this week, but like many, he is praying that the events bring people together rather than pull them apart.
The shrine’s first priority will be the safety of the thousands of pilgrims who will be attending the masses and other services. Uniformed police will be on hand.
Two years ago, a portion of the shrine suffered significant damage after a fire was set on purpose.
“Whenever people see a uniformed officer, they are there to make sure everyone is safe and to keep the peace for us. We are so proud of the work we are doing with them,” the rector said.
To re-enforce the idea that everyone is welcome, the episcopal diocese will be joining Catholics here in ecumenical services.
“We will be carrying prayers and submissions on behalf of community members who are not able to attend, whether for fear, whether for illness,” Pastor Sean Hanson said.
The celebrations honoring the Virgin Mother get underway in earnest on Thursday and Friday. NBC Chicago reached out to the Department of Homeland Security about its plans but has not heard back.
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