Parishioners in Illinois,
Cardinal Cupich has written to all the bishops in our region asking us to inform you that the annual festivities and pilgrimages to the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Des Plaines, Illinois, in honor of Our Lady on Dec. 11 and 12 have been cancelled due to the ongoing pandemic. The Shrine will be closed for both public and private devotions on those days. The reason we were asked to convey this information with you is because many devotees of Our Lady of Guadalupe come to the Shrine in Des Plaines from throughout the Midwest region and beyond to pay homage to our Blessed Mother on her feast.
With everyone’s health and safety in mind, and aware that the Latino community has been particularly vulnerable to Covid-19, the Archdiocese of Chicago is asking parishes not to organize any pilgrimages or torch runs to the Shrine this year. Please communicate this information to the people in your parish, urging them not to travel to the Shrine this year. Parishioners are asked to consider celebrating the feast day in the safety of their own homes or parishes and to consider coming to the Shrine at another time when conditions permit.
Thank you for your assistance, understanding and your prayers. May Our Lady of Guadalupe, Patroness of the Americas, continue to watch over you and those in your care.
Peace and blessings,
† Bishop Paprocki