The effort to expand the outdoor Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels is being funded by private donations spearheaded by Cathedral Patrons of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

Richard Meruelo, who works in real estate investment, made a gift of $25,000, becoming the lead financial contributor for the project. The cost to complete the Shrine is $250,000. About half of the money had been raised so far.

"This beautiful Cathedral is the heart and soul of our great city. The completion of the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe is a crowning touch to this wonderful place of peace and worship," said Meruelo during a press conference Dec. 9. To Msgr. Kevin Kostelnik, Cathedral pastor, Meruelo promised, "I will work with my colleagues in the business community to help in your efforts to finish this beautiful shrine."

The Cathedral is a continual "work in progress," said Msgr. Kostelnik. The Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe will be the first shrine to be completed, becoming "a real testament of the Cathedral's love for Our Lady of Guadalupe and the Cathedral's love for all people who honor her," he said.

Cathedral artist Lalo Garcia, who created the existing Shrine, will return to Mexico where elaborate Talavera tile work will be made to depict the remaining five apparitions of Our Lady of Guadalupe to Juan Diego. Mosaic patterns surrounding the apparitions will be created from pieces of china donated by Angelenos to signify the mosaic of cultures and ethnicities that is Los Angeles. Our Lady of Guadalupe is recognized as the Patroness of the Americas.

The expansion project also will include new candle stands carved in Cantera stone, and enhanced lighting. Climbing roses will be planted behind the Shrine which will eventually grow and drape over the top of the Shrine. Educational brochures will be printed so that schoolchildren and visitors to the Shrine can learn about the story and the history of Saint Juan Diego and Our Lady of Guadalupe.

"My hope is that when this is completed it will be a vivid testimony of the faith and devotion we have for Our Lady of Guadalupe," said Garcia. "Thank you to all the donors who have come forward and made their pledges so that this dream, this vision can become a reality."

During the coming year, visitors to the Cathedral will be able to see Garcia and his team of artists working on the project. It is scheduled to be completed by December 2006 in time for the annual celebrations honoring Our Lady of Guadalupe.

Editor's note: On the plaza near the Shrine is a donation box specifically designated for the completion of the Shrine. Donors also can call Rebecca Marko, Cathedral Development Office at (213) 680-5224.