Christianity has had a tumultuous history in China and Christians continue to be persecuted in a variety of ways.
Recognizing this ongoing situation, Pope Benedict XVI wrote a letter to Catholics in China and declared May 24 as a day for the entire Church to pray for China:
Dear Pastors and all the faithful, the date May 24 could in the future become an occasion for the Catholics of the whole world to be united in prayer with the Church which is in China. This day is dedicated to the liturgical memorial of Our Lady, Help of Christians, who is venerated with great devotion at the Marian Shrine of Sheshan in Shanghai. I would like that date to be kept by you as a day of prayer for the Church in China.
He signaled out May 24 because of its association with a Marian Shrine now often called "Our Lady of Sheshan."
Our Lady comes to the rescue
This shrine, which is now identified as the National Shrine and Minor Basilica of Our Lady of Sheshan, in Shanghai, has a rich history that dates back to the 19th century.
It all started when a group of rebels were drawing close to the Sheshan Mountain, where a Catholic chapel and retreat house was located.
Larry Peterson explains in an article for Aleteia what happened next:
The Taiping Rebellion was still in full force and Father Gu went up to the mountaintop and prayed to the Blessed Mother. He prayed saying, “If the diocese is saved from the attack of the rebels, we will build a basilica in thanksgiving for Our Lady’s special protection.”
The rebellion ended and on March 1, 1868, the Bishop of Shanghai, Adrien Languillat, SJ, consecrated and dedicated the chapel to Our Lady Help of Christians of Sheshan.
Help of Christians
Father Gu then raised money to build a new church and shrine to Our Lady and was successful in his endeavor. As a result, on May 24, 1871, the feast of Our Lady Help of Christians, the cornerstone was set for the new shrine.
Ever since Catholics in China have made annual pilgrimages during May to this shrine and have asked for continual help and protection.
Pope Benedict XVI ended his letter with this following prayer that again invoked Mary as protectress of Chinese Catholics:
May Mary Most Holy, Mother of the Church and Queen of China, who at the hour of the Cross patiently awaited the morning of the Resurrection in the silence of hope, accompany you with maternal solicitude and intercede for all of you, together with Saint Joseph and the countless Holy Martyrs of China.
