Worshipers make local pilgrimage to honor sacred figure

Chicago Tribune ^ | August 13, 2012 | Ellen Jean Hirst, Chicago Tribune reporter

[moonshinner_09]

Pilsen church's statue allows the devout to fulfill obligation to patron in lieu of trip to Mexico Dolores San Miguel said she prayed for years before God saved her troubled marriage.

She prayed to the Virgin of San Juan de Los Lagos, known to Mexican Catholics as a mediator of prayers.

"God gave me a miracle," San Miguel said in Spanish.

For that, she must give thanks by fulfilling her "manda," a tradition of traveling to the virgin's statue in the Mexican state of Jalisco to show her gratitude.

But San Miguel, who lives in the Chicago area, can't afford to travel to Mexico. She and dozens of others, including immigrants in the country illegally, wouldn't be able to fulfill their mandas if not for a miniature replica statue of the virgin at St. Procopius Catholic Church, San Miguel said.

On Sunday, more than 70 worshipers trekked 15 miles from Blue Island to St. Procopius in Chicago's Pilsen neighborhood as part of the annual Kermes festival in honor of the virgin. Once they reached the church, men and women, some holding small children, walked on their knees down the long aisle between the pews, carrying a picture of the virgin.

[moonshinner_09]

Just asking is there any reason why the heavenly mother cannot be called upon, because right now Mexico, could use a few big miracles . If miracles are happening here, where are these same miracles in Mexico at?

[tet68]

If miracles are happening here, where are these same miracles in Mexico at ?

[GraceG]

Idle Worship...

and the misspelling of Idol is intentional.

[Moonmad27]

I can talk to her Son directly.

[raygunfan]

so can she.

[reg45]

And His reply is “Hey Ma! Quit being such a nudge.”

[raygunfan]

baaaaaaaaaaaazeeeeeenga!!!!