Pilgrims flock to Our Lady of Guadalupe shrine in Des Plaines

DES PLAINES, Ill. (WLS) -- Thousands of pilgrims gathered Thursday evening at a massive celebration honoring Our Lady of Guadalupe in northwest suburban Des Plaines.

There are reports suggesting that Pope Francis could name Archbishop Blase Cupich a cardinal at a Vatican meeting in February. Officially, the Archdiocese of Chicago has not heard anything from the Vatican about the archbishop being named a cardinal.

Archbishop Cupich addressed the speculation at a news conference before leading a midnight Mass Thursday night.

"It's just all speculation and I think, all around the world, archbishops are having this same question thrown at them. And I have sympathy for them, but they're not answering at midnight," Archbishop Cupich said.

For 26 years, pilgrims have come here to honor Our Lady of Guadalupe. Archbishop Cupich is joining them for the first time.

"The archbishop coming is really acknowledging these people matter, they are important for the USA. So he is smart to be here," said Susana Pearson.

"When he called me, he said, 'I want to be there on the 12th.' Well, if you want to have the whole picture, you got to be here for the midnight Mass. He said, 'I want to be there,'" said Father Marco Mercado, shrine rector.

This shrine is the only official place outside of Mexico City's Basilica where Roman Catholics can offer promises to the virgin. This is a tribute dating back to 1531, when native Mexican Juan Diego saw her apparition several times.

"Five hundred years later, people are still inspired. They still have the spirit of God and that's the core thing driving a lot of people in their lives," said Jim Anderson, a Wisconsin resident.

For the Ocampos, it's a time of prayer. Ean has severe asthma.

"I pray and pray and pray he gets better, little by little he's getting better, so that's why we come," said Janet Ocampo.

The pilgrimage comes on a day Vatican watchers are buzzing about the possibility Cupich will be named a Cardinal, even though Francis Cardinal George is still eligible to vote in a papal conclave.

In Des Plaines, 120,000 pilgrims are expected to celebrate the Virgin Mary's presence in their lives.

"Today we come together to say thanks, thanks for this opportunity. Thanks for staying in this beautiful country," said Gabriel Gil, St. Filomena Parish.

"Pray, and pray for our whole family, the whole world, so we can get better," said Alvaro Rodriguez, St. Filomena Parish.

Masses will be held every 2-3 hours, and many pilgrims will walk to back to their parishes overnight - 18 miles for this group.

"We're not being forced, we're not being punished, it's something that comes out of our heart. It's something that comes out of our faith, our love to our Lady of Guadalupe," said first-time pilgrim Marbely Roman.

Off-site parking with shuttle service is available. To the north, you can park in Prospect Heights at Plaza Palwaukee. In Mount Prospect, you can head over to the Northwest Assembly of God or St. Emily Parish. And in Des Plaines, parking is available at St. Chong Ha Sang Korean Catholic Mission or Oakton Community College.