Chicago is preparing for a major religious celebration this Friday in the Little Village neighborhood. The event comes days before a massive pilgrimage to Des Plaines, which is often attended by Catholics from around the world to honor Our Lady of Guadalupe.
The festivities will begin at 8:30 a.m., when a procession will leave from Epiphany Catholic School and make its way to Good Shepard Church for a mass. After the mass, a 10 a.m. celebration will take place in the church’s courtyard.
This small pilgrimage mirrors the massive one that takes place every year in December in Mexico City. To commemorate the event, Telemundo Chicago and NBC 5 Chicago will televise the larger procession to Des Plaines.
Sally Ramirez, Senior Vice President of News, NBC Chicago/Telemundo Chicago, said, “The Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe is more than just personal pilgrimage for tens of thousands of devout Catholics, it also plays an important role in Mexican nationalism and identity. We are proud to present our viewers with expanded ‘Guadalupe’ content over the next few days surrounding this very special local and international celebration of faith and heritage pride.”
The schedule for how to watch the event can be found below:
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 6
“Veladoras, rosarios e imágenes de la Virgen de Guadalupe” (Noticiero Telemundo Chicago at 10pm) – featuring Alfonso Gutiérrez from Mexico City – Rosaries, candles, and holy cards of the image of Our Lady of Guadalupe are symbols of faith and devotion for thousands of worshippers. However, for the vendors, this takes on an additional meaning for their personal, financial survival.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7
“Guadalupe: Celebrations” (NBC 5 News at 6pm) – featuring Alfonso Gutiérrez – A tutorial overview on what Mexico celebrates on December 12, including the storied appearances of Our Lady of Guadalupe, the history of the Basilica and the traditions leading up to the observances & festivities.
“Comida para los peregrinos” (Noticiero Telemundo Chicago at 10pm) – featuring Alfonso Gutiérrez from Mexico City – “Where two eat, three eat.” This popular saying sums up the tradition of many families during the Virgin of Guadalupe celebrations, who get together to cook, donate and serve food to pilgrims that have walked for days or weeks. It is a tradition where faith and food come together in a wonderful fusion of celebration and fellowship.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8
“Guadalupe: Mexican Americans” (NBC 5 News at 6pm) – featuring Alfonso Gutiérrez – A detailed summary on why Our Lady of Guadalupe is a powerful symbol of devotion and identity for the Mexican, Mexican-American and Latino communities.
“Extrangeros que visitan a la Virgen de Guadalupe” (Noticiero Telemundo Chicago at 10pm) – featuring Alfonso Gutiérrez from Mexico City – Each year, millions of worshippers make their way to the Basilica for the annual celebration of the Virgin of Guadalupe. The story behind the pilgrimage began in the 16th century as Roman Catholics believe that Juan Diego, an Indigenous farmer, saw a vision of the Virgin Mary on Tepeyac Hill, which today is Mexico City. This annual pilgrimage has now grown to include faith believers of all backgrounds from all over the world.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9
Premiere: “GUADALUPE” (10:00 AM – Telemundo Chicago) – In this brand-new Telemundo Chicago special presentation, host Alfonso Gutiérrez travels to Mexico City to hear first-hand stories from citizens on the foundational importance of Our Lady of Guadalupe and how the annual pilgrimage has grown to become one of the world’s most celebrated religious gatherings. In addition, Gutiérrez continues the discussion on a local level as he speaks with parishioners in Des Plaines, Ill. and St. John, Ind.
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