Thousands begin flocking to Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Des Plaines: 'Beautiful experience'

DES PLAINES, Ill. (WLS) -- Thousands of people are making a pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Des Plaines starting Thursday, despite the bitter cold temperatures.

Organizers call it an event designed to inspire faith and hope, and it happens every year.

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The pilgrimage has already begun, drawing a steady stream of visitors .

"We have spent so many months and weeks in preparation just to be able to welcome hundreds of thousands of people and Our Lady of Guadalupe is ready to receive you with open arms," media volunteer Andy Lepe said.

The celebration spanning 24 hours typically draws as many as 300,000 people from across the country.

"The Virgin Guadalupe has done a lot of miracles for me," Jose Beltran, who lives in Elmhurst said. "I don't know if it's miracles or not but there's been so much stuff that she's done for me. I couldn't be more grateful to her for what she's done for me."

Beltran said he visits the shrine often and has crawled on his knees to her sanctuary as some do to pray for her help.

"When my wife was diagnosed with cancer, I've come and asked her if there's anything she could do for me for my wife and I don't know if it was a miracle from her or not so for my wife she's gone four years already and so far, my fingers crossed nothing has happened," Beltran said.

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Millions have brought flowers and prayers to the Des Plaines shrine since the mid-1980s.

"We do see a lot of people from all over the Midwest, at times we have seen people from Europe from different countries specifically, Mexico, Canada, South America, Latin America," Lepe said. "It's very heartwarming and it's very touching just to see the amount of people who come to pay their respects and pay their dues to our lady of Guadalupe."

"It's very important for my life because sometimes if I have a problem, I come and she helps everybody," Fabian Herrera, shrine visitor, said. "All the people from different countries come here and some go to Mexico City with the Basilica. This is beautiful. So many people love Guadalupe."

This year, however, the ongoing immigration crackdown has many people concerned, so it's unclear how those fears might impact turnout.

Church leaders said events will happen as scheduled and federal agents will not be allowed on church grounds, without arrest warrants. And for those who feel, events will also be streamed online.

"For any reason, if they don't feel safe at all, then we encourage that person to contact another person so that they can make their visit for them," Lepe said.

Volunteer Patty Gomez took a moment to give thanks and pray for others.

"Thankful for myself and my loved ones and those that I know," Gomez said. "Special prayer for those you are sick and those who are in difficult situations with immigration."

The shrine staff has plan in case federal agents attempt immigration action.

Praying of the rosary began at noon in the plaza. The opening Mass celebration is scheduled for 8 p.m. Thursday, followed by a fireworks show.

"I feel good to be honest," visitor Natalie Merlos said. "I feel like it's always good to reconnect myself to her. It's just very special."

Some who were at the shrine Thursday knew there would be some watching from afar.

"At least at home they will be praying, and I know there will be a lot of people praying for them as well," vistor Karla Carmona said. "Hopefully these prayers will get all the way to God and hoping next year will be a much much better one for all of us."

Volunteer Jennifer Nava brought her younger brother to help with all the flowers brought to the shrine.

"It's just a good experience to look back on, and wow I'm glad I did this," Nava said.

Five years ago, Nava explained she came t the shrine in despair to get out of an abusive situation. She says she did that and achieved other things she hadn't thought possible.

"It's been really life changing," Nava said. "It's really emotional to be here. It took me a lot to get out of where I was at,"

So every year since, Nava comes to the shrine to be of service.

"When you are here everyone's faith, you don't feel the cold, you don't feel anything," Nava said. "It's a very beautiful experience."