The Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes
Jiao Jiang, Zhe Jiang Province

The Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes in the diocese of Jiao Jiang, Tai Zhou in Zhe Jiang Province, is one of the rare sanctuaries in China, situated on a mountain close to the city.

It was built in 1913 and completed in 1920 by one of the first bishops of Chinese origin, Hu Ruo-Shan (consecrated by Pope Pius XI in October 1926 in St. Peter). According to local people, the aunt of a priest of the place, who was sick for many years, had a dream during which angel told her to go to Jiao Jiang to ask Our Lady of Lourdes for healing. She was cured immediately. To thank Our Lady, she made a plaque with the wording of "Health of the Sick" and hang it on the top of the hill. Since that time the number of pilgrims increased significantly. During the Cultural Revolution, the sanctuary suffered desecration and was partly destroyed. Recently the faithful repaired the sanctuary and rebuilt the Grotto of Our Lady. They added a giant statue of St. Joseph and Sacred Heart of Jesus addition to the Stations of the Cross in marble. In this way, the Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes of Jiao Jiang has returned to its former glory.

The Diocese of Tai Zhou, to thank Our Lady’s love and protection, has Mass to Our Lady in the open air on the top of the hill on every first Saturday of the month. The faithful will first make the Way of the Cross and then walk up the hill with Our Lady and Jesus, singing and praying. On the top of the hill, they offer as thanksgiving to God Our Father and also ask for favours. During the week there is no shortage of pilgrims who will come in small groups to implore the intercession of Our Lady for their needs.

Reference: Father. Anh Thu Tran (John the Baptist),C.S.J.B., Marian Shrines in China, Published by St. Francis Xavier Church (Chinese Community),Vancouver, BC. Canada,2009.

Address: St Francis Xavier Parish, 428 Great Northern Way, Van.,BC,V5T 4S5,Canada, Tel 1-(604)254-2727, E-mail address: jbtat@yahoo.com

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