Thousands Expected At Coliseum For ‘Guadalupe Celebration’ On Sunday

LOS ANGELES (CBS) — An estimated 100,000 congregants are expected to fill the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on Sunday for the Guadalupe Celebration which will give the faithful a rare close up of the city’s most treasured relic.


The Relic of the Tilma of St. Juan Diego was a gift from the Archdiocese of Mexico to Archbishop John Cantwell of Los Angeles after his historic trip to Mexico in 1941.


The Knights of Columbus is co-sponsoring the event and it’s considered to be the largest celebration of the Virgin Mary in a generation.


The event will coincide with the beginning of construction of a beautiful new chapel to house the relic at the Cathedral. The construction of the chapel was supported by a grant from the Knights of Columbus.


The event is scheduled to include international performers including Eurovision winner Dana Scallon and famed Mariachi artist and actor Pedro Fernandez and Catholic recording artist Danielle Rose. The event will also feature prayers led by various prominent Angelinos such as retired All Star catcher Mike Piazza, Braveheart’s producer Steve McEveety including actor Eduardo Verastegui and award winning film director Alejandro Monteverde.


The event will take place Sunday, Aug. 5 at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum and admission is free. Tickets are required and can be requested online at http://www.guadalupecelebration.com.


Doors will open at 12:30 p.m. and the event will begin at 3 p.m. Event organizers say seating is limited and will be given on a first-come, first-served basis. Attendees are also encouraged to arrive at the Los Angeles Coliseum between 10 a.m. through 11 a.m. for best seating as traffic congestion may become an issue.