Marian devotion
Prayer of the persecuted in China
Chinese Prayer to the Virgin
This prayer has been prayed by the persecuted Chinese Catholics over the centuries. Composed in times of tribulation, he expresses the people's appeal to the Virgin Mary, asking for her protection and intercession in the midst of suffering.
Text of the sentence
Oh, Mother of God, Mother of the persecuted, we raise our eyes to you from the valley of tears. You who know the suffering of your Son on the cross understand the pain of your children in China.
On the night of the chase, you're our star. In the desert of exile, you are our oasis. In the jail of silence, you are our voice.
Protect us, O Virgin Mary, from all evil. Defend our faith from all temptation. It preserves our hope in the midst of despair.
May your example of fidelity to the cross help us to carry our own cross with patience. May your maternal love give us the strength to forgive our persecutors.
Oh, Our Lady of China, Mother of the martyrs, intercede for us before your Son. May the blood of the martyrs be the seed of new Christians in China. Amen.
History of prayer
This prayer has its origin in the times of the persecution of the Boxers (1900), when Chinese Catholics sought comfort and protection in the intercession of the Virgin Mary. The prayer was transmitted from generation to generation, adapting to the circumstances of each epoch of persecution.
During the Cultural Revolution (1966- 1976), this prayer was secretly prayed by the clandestine Catholics. Many faithful memorized it and recited it in a low voice, as an act of spiritual resistance against persecution.
Prayer in Mandarin
Mother of God and mother of the persecuted, we look to you from the valley of tears. You know your son's suffering on the cross, and your children's suffering in China.
You are our star in the night of persecution. In the desert of exile, you are our oasis. In a silent prison, you are our voice.
Virgin Mary, protect us from all evil. Protect our faith from all temptations. Save our hopes in despair.
Your example of the integrity of the cross helps us bear our own cross with patience. Your mother's love gives us strength to forgive those who persecute us.
The Mother of China, the Mother of the Martyrs, turns to your Holy Son for us. May the blood of the martyrs become the seed of the new Christians of China. Amen.
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