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Shrine of Our Woman of Guadalupe in Des Plaines broken in obvious arson; individual of curiosity in custody, police say

Wednesday, Could 24, 2023 12:19AM

Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe damaged in apparent arson

DES PLAINES, Ailing. (WLS) — Des Plaines police mentioned an individual of curiosity is in custody after an obvious arson hearth broken The Shrine of Our Woman of Guadalupe in a single day Tuesday.

Police mentioned they responded to the shrine simply after 2:30 a.m. for a report of a hearth. After they arrived, they tried to place it out however couldn’t. The Des Plaines Hearth Division arrived shortly after and extinguished the hearth earlier than arson investigators have been known as to the scene.

Rev. Esequiel Sanchez mentioned the suspected arsonist set hearth to the out of doors Chapel of the Resurrected Christ, which was badly broken. Statues, sacred artwork and the plaza space close to the chapel have been additionally broken by the hearth.

“It is a desecration of a really holy place,” mentioned pilgrim Ethel Gina Bailon. “And there is not any regard anymore for a holy place.”

“The Chapel of the Resurrected Christ is without doubt one of the most honored areas the place pilgrims come to go to. They depart mementos, they depart their prayers, it is an ideal place to sit down and pray for some time,” mentioned Rev. Sanchez. “My job is now to open up the hearts and say we are able to construct once more.”

RELATED: Celebration Shrine of Our Woman of Guadalupe continues in Des Plaines as 1000’s make pilgrimage

Rev. Sanchez mentioned the shrine’s safety cameras captured the individual of curiosity, who continues to be being questioned by police. He mentioned that not solely is the shrine broken, however the group has had their spirit and religion wounded by the act. He mentioned that after the investigation is full, they do plan to rebuild and restore the broken elements of the shrine.

Tons of of 1000’s of pilgrims flock to The Shrine of Our Woman of Guadalupe annually in December, as she holds a particular which means for Mexican and Mexican American Catholics.

No fees have but been filed, Des Plaines police mentioned. No additional particulars concerning the individual in custody have been launched.

Shrine leaders mentioned help to rebuild has already began pouring in.

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