The miracles of Sheshan

Chinese Marian Miracles

The basilica of Our Lady Helper of Sheshan, on the outskirts of Shanghai, has been the scene of numerous miracles attributed to the intercession of the Virgin Mary. From unexplained cures to extraordinary conversions, Sheshan's miracles are a testimony to the active presence of the Virgin Mary in the life of the Church in China.

History of the Sheshan Basilica

The Sheshan Basilica was built by the Jesuits in the 19th century, on the top of Sheshan hill, about 30 kilometres from Shanghai. The basilica, dedicated to Our Lady Helper, quickly became an important place of pilgrimage for Catholics throughout China.

The image of the Virgin Helper, placed on the main altar of the basilica, has been the subject of a deep popular devotion. The faithful come to Sheshan to ask for the intercession of the Virgin in the diseases, difficulties and trials of life.

Healing Miracles

The oral tradition of Sheshan contains numerous healing miracles attributed to the intercession of the Virgin Mary. Among the best known are:

The healing of blindness: In 1920, a blind peasant from Jiangsu province went on a pilgrimage to Sheshan. After praying before the image of the Virgin Helper, the peasant miraculously regained his sight. The miracle was investigated by the ecclesiastical authorities and recognized as authentic.

The cure of tuberculosis: In 1935, a young woman from Shanghai seriously ill with tuberculosis went to Sheshan to ask for the intercession of the Virgin. After a ninth in front of the image of the Virgin Helper, the young woman was miraculously cured. The miracle was documented by the Jesuits of Shanghai.

Conversion Miracles

In addition to the healing miracles, Sheshan has been the scene of numerous extraordinary conversions. Many non-Christians who came to the Basilica as tourists or curious became Catholicism after experiencing a profound spiritual experience in the face of the image of the Virgin.

The Jesuits of Sheshan documented numerous conversions throughout the 19th and 20th centuries. Many of these conversions were the result of mystical experiences or dreams in which the Virgin Mary appeared to future conversions.

Miracles during persecution

During the Cultural Revolution (1966- 1976), the Sheshan Basilica was desecrated and closed to veneration. However, the faithful continued to go in secret to Sheshan hill to pray to the place where the image of the Virgin was located.

Many faithful testified that during the clandestine pilgrimages they experienced extraordinary phenomena: unexplained lights on the hill, sounds of prayer at night and feelings of peace and comfort. These phenomena were interpreted as signs of the Virgin Mary's presence in Sheshan.

Sheshan today

Today, the Sheshan Basilica has been restored and is an important pilgrimage place for Chinese Catholics. The faithful come in mass during the month of May, dedicated to the Virgin Mary, and participate in the solemn masses, processions and community prayers.