Rectors Welcome

I wish to welcome you to the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe, a special place dedicated to helping pilgrims have a special encounter with the Mother of Jesus as she once appeared to St. Juan Diego, whose original name was Cuauhtlatoatzin, meaning "the Talking Eagle" in his native language of Nahuatl, in the year 1531. This historical encounter with the Mother of God offers pilgrims and visitors comfort and courage as we navigate the challenges of our day.

Since its original founding in 2013, the ministry has grown exponentially. In 2023, the Shrine celebrated its 10th Anniversary, honored by the presence and blessing of both Cardinal Blasé Cupich, Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Chicago, and Cardinal Carlos Aguiar Retes, Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Mexico City. During that monumentous occasion, the Archdiocese of Mexico recommitted its blessing dedication, provided in 1997, granting the “Cerrito” of Chicago the faculty to offer it at this sacred place, where pilgrims who make their pledge to Our Lady of Guadalupe, the power of indulgence where their pledges are fulfilled just as if they were present in the Basilica of Mexico.

Today, the Shrine welcomes over 600 thousand pilgrims annually from all over the United States and around the world. Our dedicated volunteers provide the Shrine with the hospitality that makes visitors feel at home.
As we soldier toward the great jubilee of the 500th Anniversary of the Apparition of Our Lady of Guadalupe, which will occur on December 12, 2031, I invite you to join us a be part of our Our Lady’s mission: to provide all who trust in her, all of her “Love, Help, and Protection,” that is her son Jesus Crist.

Fraternally yours in Christ, 
Very Rev. Esequiel Sanchez, Rector