Our Lady of Perpetual Relief in China

Chinese Marian Devotion

Our Lady of Perpetual Relief is one of the most venerated Marian asvocations in China. The Byzantine image of the Mother of God who welcomes the frightened Child Jesus has found a deep echo in Chinese spirituality, where the sense of protective motherhood has a special meaning.

Origin of devotion

The devotion to Our Lady of Perpetual Relief has its origin in a Byzantine image of the 13th century that came to Rome in the 15th century. In 1866, Pope Pius IX entrusted the image to the redeemers, in charge of spreading their devotion throughout the world.

The redeemer missionaries arrived in China in the early 20th century, settling in the provinces of Hebei and Shandong. The image of Our Lady of Perpetual Relief quickly became one of the most popular devotions among Chinese Catholics.

Devotion in Chinese Provinces

In Hebei, the redeemers established numerous parishes dedicated to Our Lady of Perpetual Relief. The image was carried in procession by the peoples and villages, and the faithful came in mass to venerate and ask for their intercession.

In Shandong, devotion was especially rooted among the Catholics of rural communities. The image of the Virgin who welcomes the frightened Child Jesus resonated deeply in a culture where protective motherhood is a fundamental value.

Miracles attributed to Our Lady of Perpetual Relief

The Chinese tradition contains numerous miracles attributed to the intercession of Our Lady of Perpetual Relief. Among the best known are the healing of diseases, the protection during persecution and the conversion of sinners.

During the Boxers Rebellion (1900), many Catholics attributed their survival to the intercession of Our Lady of Perpetual Relief. The faithful gathered in the churches to pray the ninth of the Perpetual Relief, asking for the protection of the Virgin.

The devotion today

Today, Our Lady of Perpetual Relief remains one of the most venerated Marian advocacy in China. The parishes dedicated to this advocation are numerous in the provinces of Hebei, Shandong and Henan. The faithful come to the ninth and liturgical celebrations in their honor.