Despite the bitter cold that descended on Chicagoland, thousands of faithful Catholics still made the pilgrimage to north suburban Des Plaines to visit the shrine to Our Lady of Guadalupe. Thursday marked the beginning of the second day of the annual celebration that spans 24 hours and rings in Dec.

Despite the bitter cold that’s descended on Chicagoland, thousands of people are making their way to visit the shrine of the Virgin Mary in north suburban Des Plaines for the annual Catholic Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

Pilgrims from near and far gathered on a chilly evening to pay homage to the Virgin Mary and seek her blessings Wednesday during the annual feast at the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Des

It's a tradition they're holding in tandem with their friends and family in Mexico, bringing offerings to the Virgin Mary, thanking her for what they've received this year, and leaving her with prayers for the upcoming year.