The Archdiocese of Chicago will host the first stop in the United States for an international tour featuring a life-size sculpture of Our Lady of Guadalupe. The event, which begins August 27, will include several prayer and cultural activities at the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Des Plaines and other parishes throughout the Archdiocese.

The exhibition features two digital reproductions of the original image of the Virgin of Guadalupe, one image of Saint Juan Diego, and a hyper-realistic life-size sculpture created by Mexican artist Jorge Ismael Rodríguez. All items have been blessed by Monsignor Efraín Hernández Díaz, Rector of the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City.

“This veneration experience will awaken a renewed sense of devotion and will build the ties between our nations,” said Monsignor Hernández Díaz. “We hope it may inspire new generations to discover the profound significance of being Guadalupan. From Tepeyac to Chicago, we hope to see you very soon.”

Original music and narrated reflections about the history surrounding the apparitions at Tepeyac will be part of this experience. Organizers say these elements are intended to create an atmosphere that fosters peace, unity, and renewed faith.

Support for this initiative comes from Víctor González Dr. Simi, founding president of Farmacias Similares de México, along with Martín Achirica Ramos, who conceptualized this experience.

The public can attend Opening Mass on Wednesday, August 27 at 7 p.m., held in St. Joseph Chapel at the Shrine. The display will remain there until September 30 before moving to St. Gall Parish from October 1-14 and then to Mother of the Americas Parish from October 15-28.

All events are free and open to everyone. Additional details and registration information can be found at www.solg.org.