DES PLAINES, Ill. (WLS) -- A life-size sculpture of the Virgin Mary arrived in the suburbs on Wednesday night.

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"Madre Peregrina," which translates to "pilgrim mother," is being welcomed to the Shrine of Our lady of Guadalupe in Des Plaines.

There was a celebratory Mass and procession, and hundreds attended.

"It is wonderful; it is absolutely wonderful," Mount Prospect resident Diane Madison said.

Madison reflected on "Our Lady" as a beacon of hope and a protector.

"Luckily we have this heavenly mother who puts her mantle over all these holy innocents," she said.

Organizers expect thousands of worshippers to visit the shrine over the coming weeks.

Worshippers can visit Monday through Friday at the Des Plaines shrine through

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