Arson Fire at Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Des Plaines (SOURCE: Des Plaines Police Department). YouTube Tips ⓘ
Following a thorough investigation by Des Plaines officers, with assistance from the Cook County State’s Attorney’s office and staff at the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe, charges were filed late Tuesday evening, Tuesday, May 23, 2023 regarding an arson fire at the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe fire that occurred during early morning hours Tuesday.
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On Tuesday, May 23, at 2:31 a.m., a person entered the campus of the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe and set fire to the outdoor Chapel of the Resurrected Christ. Unfortunately, the fire damaged the outdoor Chapel, several pieces of statuary, and sacred art. Although we are very saddened by the painful vandalism, we wish that through the help of our community, we can reconstruct the outdoor Chapel of the Resurrected Christ, also known as “the Altar of Miracles.” Pilgrims visit for many reasons: some seek hope, others express gratitude; however, all come with prayers and express love to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Please consider making a donation, by clicking the link below. We appreciate your generosity, all proceeds will go towards the reconstruction of the outdoor Chapel of the Resurrected Christ. Thank you for your prayers, and together we will rebuild this sacred space.
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Virginia Roque-Fermin, age 41, of 4247 Jennifer Lane Arlington Heights, Illinois was charged with one felony count of Arson. After responding to a fire at the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe on May 23, 2023, arriving officers observed Roque-Fermin quickly walking away from the Shrine that was ablaze. Officers observed soot on the front of her clothes, and detained her for further investigation.
The Shrine is monitored by video surveillance and recordings, which Des Plaines police officers were able to view. Surveillance video depicts Roque-Fermin carrying objects such as statues, buckets, chairs, and planter pots toward the cave/grotto area of the shrine.
Video captured Virginia Roque-Fermin starting a fire and then continuing to carry surrounding objects towards the fire to stoke the flames. Total damage was estimated to be over $78,000.
Roque-Fermin was scheduled for a bond hearing Wednesday, May 24, 2023 at the Cook County Circuit Courthouse in Skokie. Cook County Circuit Court Judge Anthony Calabrese set bond at $200,000. ROque-Fermin’s next court date is June 8, 2026.
Des Plaines Police Investigating Arson Fire at the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe
Police and firefighters from Des Plaines responded about Tuesday, May 23, 2:31 a.m., the Des Plaines Police Department responded to 1170 N. River Rd. (The Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe) for a report of a fire.
As officers arrived on the scene, they attempted to extinguish the fire but were unsuccessful. The Des Plaines Fire Department, upon arrival, extinguished the fire and DPFD arson investigators were called to the scene.
The fire was extinguished by about 2:44 a.m.
The incident is under investigation and the Des Plaines Police Department immediately announced that they identified and detained a person of interest.
In December, there is an annual pilgrimage when thousands of Catholic pilgrims visit the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Des Plaines. The two-day event is one of the largest in the world outside of the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City.
Our Lady of Guadalupe is the patron saint of Mexico.
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Outdoor Chapel of the Resurrected Christ – Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe – Santuario de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe (SOURCE: Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Des Plaines, IL). YouTube Tips ⓘ