Thousands gather for midnight Mass with Cupich at Des Plaines Our Lady of Guadalupe shrine

The newly installed leader of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Chicago celebrated Mass on the campus of Des Plaines' Maryville Academy early Friday morning with the thousands gathered to celebrate the annual feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

Archbishop Blase J. Cupich delivered a sermon in Spanish to a predominantly Hispanic crowd of all ages bundled in blankets, winter coats and hats.

In a press conference before the Mass, Cupich, speaking in both English and Spanish, expressed his admiration and respect for all those that had made the journey to the outdoor shrine.

The event was "a reminder to all of us that together we are on a pilgrimage," he said.

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