Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe -- Des Plaines, Ill.

Destination: On the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Dec. 12, the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Des Plaines welcomes thousands of pilgrims for celebrations including many Masses, rosaries, mañanitas, fireworks and more. 

The shrine is also a peaceful and prayerful place to visit year-round (without needing to brave the winter weather).

Photos: Top — The faithful lay bouquets of flowers at the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Des Plaines, Dec. 11, 2020, shortly before Mary’s image was temporarily moved to the nearby Marian Chapel. (CNS photo/ Karen Callaway, Chicago Catholic)

Bottom — Father Esequiel Sanchez, current rector of the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe, blesses horseback riders of Club Los Vaqueros Unidos (United Cowboys Club) as they make their way to the shrine as part of a pre-celebration for the Dec. 12, 2016 feast day. (CNS photo/ Karen Callaway, Catholic New World) 

Why to go: The shrine began as an effort by a small local group to foster devotion to Our Lady of Guadalupe in Chicago. In 1987, Joaquín Martínez visited the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City and brought back a statue of Mary. He and fellow parishioners brought the statue to nearby parishes and family homes. 

Construction on the open-air cerrito, the main devotional area, began in 1995. It was blessed two years later. During the blessing, a portion of earth from Cerro del Tepeyac in Mexico City was poured on the ground, and a digital replica of the original Our Lady image was blessed and enthroned. Because of this, devotees who make promises (mandas) to Our Lady are able to fulfill them here as if they were in the basilica in Mexico City. 

Admission: There is no admission fee and the plaza area is always open; donations of $15 are suggested for parking on the sanctuary grounds due to limited space. Several parking lots off the grounds, but still associated with the sanctuary, are free: St. Emily Parish, Palwaukee Square and Oakton Community College. 

Accessibility: Most of the grounds are wheelchair-accessible. 

(Grand) Kid friendly: Of course!   

Info: Address — Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe, 1170 N. River Rd., Des Plaines, Ill.  

Phone — 847-294-1806 

Website — https://www.solg.org/

— Megan Peterson compiled this story. Send Destination ideas to seasonedobserver@rockforddiocese.org

Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe - LaCrosse, Wisconsin

(Photo provided)

Destination: The Shrine of our Lady of Guadalupe is in LaCrosse, Wis.
Sunday Masses are held in Latin at 9:30 a.m. and in English at 1 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Mass is at 11 a.m. The shrine is open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Why to go: This nearby shrine is among the newest in the United States. It was dedicated July 31, 2008. Archbishop Raymond J. Burke, its founder, was the main celebrant at the dedication Mass. It is also home of the Memorial to the Unborn, which was dedicated Dec. 12, 2008, on the feast day of the shrine’s patron saint. It is not a parish, but a pilgrimage destination.
Among completed projects at the shrine are the Pilgrim Center, Mother of Good Counsel Votive Candle Chapel, Meditation Trail and devotional areas, outdoor Stations of the Cross and Rosary Walk.
Special events: Two Marian conferences are scheduled soon at the shrine.
May 31, 9 a.m.-6:30 p.m.: “Am I Not Your Mother?” Cost, including lunch, $30. Info: at shrine Web site.
July 31-Aug. 1: 3rd annual Queen of the Americas Guild Marian conference. Cost: $60. Info: www.queenoftheamericasguild.org.
Ammenities: Flores Mariae Gift Shop is open daily, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Culina Mariana Restaurant is open for full meals, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., and for beverages and snacks, 2 p.m.-4 p.m. With reservations (608/788-8400), it can accommodate group events. Both are in the Pilgrim Center.
Access: The shrine is intended to be as accessible as possible while retaining the character of a pilgrimage. Visitors with special needs may call ahead for information about the terrain.
(Grand) Kid friendly: Children are welcome, but adults who bring them are encouraged to keep them on the path, because poison ivy is among the shrine’s native plants.
Info: Address: Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe, 5250 Justin Road, La Crosse, WI 54601.  Phone: 608/782-5440. Web: www.guadalupeshrine.org

- Compiled by Sharon Boehlefeld
Send your Catholic destinations ideas to seasonedobserver@rockforddiocese.org