By: Ashmar Mandou

Beginning this week, people will have the opportunity to see a holy statue from Mexico here in the Chicago area. The life-sized Pilgrim Mother, Our Lady of Guadalupe statue normally resides in the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City, but now it’s going on an international tour. “We are incredibly honored that Chicago is the first stop on this national tour,” said Revered Esequiel Sanchez, Rector, Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe during a press conference on Monday. “In these difficult times, when our trust has been shattered, and many feel threatened by the insecurities our people are experiencing due to the deportation operations taking place in countries around the world. The insecurities of the economy and violence here and across the country, etc., which is why Our Blessed Mother comes to us to fulfill her word: ‘to give all who trust in me, all my love protection, and shelter.”

The life-sized, holy sculpture of the Pilgrim Mother will arrive at the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe, 1170 N. River Rd., this week as part of the spiritual tour. The visit is part of the observance of the 500th anniversary of the apparitions at Tepeyac. There will also be a free exhibit featuring two digital reproductions of the original image of Our Lady of Guadalupe, one of St. Juan Diego, and the life-sized sculpture created by Mexican artist Jorge Ismael Rodríguez. The installation includes original music and narrated reflections that bring to life the story of the apparitions at Tepeyac. “This is a symbol of peace, unity, and the renewal of faith,” said Monsignor Diego Monroy, Rector Emeritus, Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe. “We invite all to come and return to the church, especially the younger generation that is distracted by technology, where a sense of community has been lost. We invite them to come and seek a reconnection.”

The sculpture will remain in the Shrine until September 30th. Following that visit, it will be moved to St. Gall Parish in Chicago, at 5511 Sawyer Ave., where it will be on display from October 1st through 14th. After that, it will visit the Mother of the Americas Parish, at 3047 Cermak Rd., from October 15th through 28th. After that, the sculpture will continue traveling on a world journey, stopping in the Philippines, Puerto Rico, Colombia and other countries, organizers said, leading up to the 500th Anniversary Jubilee of her apparitions in 2031. Attendees can visit the shrine Monday through Friday, and is free and open to the public, but registration is required. For additional information, visit www.solg.org.

Photo Caption: Very Rev. Esequiel Sanchez, Rector, Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Martin Archirica, Director of the Exhibit “Pilgrim Mother for the Love and Peace of the World”, Monsignor Diego Monroy, Rector Emeritus, Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Lic. Vicente Monroy, Director of Communications Grupo por un País Mejor speak at a press conference on Monday morning at the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe and share details of the week’s events.