Chinese authorities discourage pilgrimages to Marian shrine

May 22, 2012

Chinese government officials are discouraging pilgrims from participating in a May 24 pilgrimage to the shrine of Our Lady of Sheshan. But while citing “security reasons” to keep Catholics away, the government is encouraging tourists to visit the same area.

At his public audience on Sunday, May 20, Pope Benedict XVI urged all Catholics around the world to join in prayer for the Church in China on May 24, the feast of Our Lady of Sheshan.

 

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Further information:

• Tourists, not pilgrims, welcome in Sheshan (AsiaNews)
• Pray for China, Pope asks faithful (CWN, 5/21)