China: pilgrims gather for feastday at Marian shrine

More than 300 Catholics from the Diocese of Shang Hai gathered in the Shrine of Our Lady of She Shan on Saturday, September 5, to begin celebrating, a few days ahead of time, the feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

After praying the Rosary and the Mass, they placed flowers and sweets before the image of Our Lady, in her honour.

The Shrine of Our Lady of She Shan, is the most famous Marian shrine in Asia, and is particularly close to the heart of Pope Benedict. On May 24, 2008, prior to the World Day of Prayer for the Church in China and feast of Our Lady, Help of Christians, the Holy Father personally composed a 'Prayer to Our Lady of She Shan.'

In this Year for Priests, the community are particularly praying for more vocations to the priesthood.