Parishes from the Archdiocese of Chicago and four other area dioceses will celebrate the visit of the Statue of Our Lady of San Juan de los Lagos now through Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. The Blessed Mother’s Basilica in San Juan de los Lagos, Jalisco, Mexico draws countless pilgrims annually who come to reaffirm their faith and seek her intercession. Revered by millions of Catholics across Mexico and Latin America, it is the second most visited religious site in Mexico after the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City. Last year marked the 400th anniversary of the miraculous event that sparked this enduring devotion.

According to tradition, in 1623, a family of circus performers traveling to Guadalajara stopped in San Juan de los Lagos. During a performance, their young daughter tragically fell to her death from a trapeze. An indigenous woman, moved by the family's grief, asked an image of “La Cihualpilli” (“The Great Lady”) be brought to the girl. Miraculously, when the image was placed on her chest, the girl was restored to life.

It has become an annual tradition to host a replica of the image of the Virgin of San Juan de los Lagos in northern Illinois and Indiana dioceses. The visit of the statue helps the faithful connect with this powerful symbol of hope and faith.

Please check with individual parishes for a schedule of Masses and other events related to the visit.