Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Beijing (Fides News Agency) – Prayer for peace is the focus of many processions, liturgical celebrations, and communal rosary prayers that are bringing together Catholic communities in all Chinese provinces these days.
Since the evening of April 30, liturgies and processions have been taking place in countless Catholic churches and shrines across mainland China.
From the Shrine of Sheshan near Shanghai to the Shrine of Housangyu in Beijing, from cathedrals to small village chapels, groups of Catholics large and small are gathering before the altar and statues of Mary to pray together for the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary during the Marian month of May.
Marian devotion is deeply rooted in the faith of Chinese Catholics. They have always viewed participation in the prayers and liturgies of the Marian month as an opportunity and a sign of their connection with the universal Church and the Successors of Peter. In a time torn apart by wars that cause suffering for entire nations, believers in China are also praying for the preservation of communion and the restoration of peace everywhere.
In the Basilica of Our Lady of Sheshan in the Diocese of Shanghai, Bishop Joseph Shen Bin celebrated a solemn Mass on the afternoon of April 30 to open the Marian month. Faithful from all over mainland China and abroad participated, along with seminarians from the Sheshan Seminary.
In addition to praying for peace, the Bishop of Shanghai explained the true meaning of a pilgrimage: “It does not consist merely of walking a path or simply performing rites, but touches the depths of every person’s heart: With every step we take, we move away from worldliness and draw ever closer to the grace of God.” Therefore, he emphasized: “First and foremost, we must remain in daily prayer and nourish our lives with the Word of God. Second, we must follow the example of the Virgin Mary and bear witness to our faith through holiness. Finally, pilgrimage should be experienced as a means of inner renewal.”
On the Feast of Saint Joseph the Worker, Auxiliary Bishop Joseph Wu Jianlin of Shanghai celebrated a solemn Mass in the Sheshan Basilica on May 1 and once again called upon all the faithful to pray for peace.
To mark the opening of the Marian month, the parish of Lucheng in the Diocese of Wenzhou announced the theme for the month: “Devotion to Mary: Spiritual deepening in service to the communion.” The parish of Qianku had already opened the Marian month on April 30 with a solemn procession and prayer vigil attended by thousands of faithful. (NZ) (Fides News Agency, 4/5/2026)
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