Mary, Health of the Sick, Magong - Camilian Advocation of Penghu

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In Magong, the capital of the Penghu archipelago, Mary is invoked as Health of the Sick. The title is inseparable from the Chamilians, who brought to these islands medical care, pastoral accompaniment and a spirituality where serving the sick is serving the same Christ.

Gospel and medicine on the islands

The stable mission began in 1950. In May 1951, five religious from the Immaculate Heart of Mary arrived, who opened a clinic and attended a day care centre. In 1952 the Chamilians took on pastoral and health work; the following year they raised a church with capacity for a hundred people, dedicated to Our Lady Star of the Sea.

The community grew up and needed a larger temple. The new Magong church was completed in August 1964 and consecrated by the pontifical representative Giuseppe Caprio with the title of Mary, Health of the Sick. The chronology of the Order itself dates its opening on August 30.

"Health of the Sick"

Salus Infirmorum It is an invocation of the laurean litany. She does not present Mary as a substitute for Christ or medicine: she asks for her maternal intercession to obtain strength, hope and the integral health that comes from God.

St. Camilo of Lellis chose Mary under this title as patron of his Order. The Chamilians celebrate their feast on November 16 and see in it the model of compassionate care. Pope Francis has proposed it to the sick, family, doctors, nurses and volunteers as a guarantee of divine tenderness and an example of fidelity in suffering.

A history between jurisdictions

Penghu passed to the new diocese of Tainan in 1961. Between 1970 and 1991 it constituted a separate apostolic administration, then returned to Tainan. The parish remained the centre of island Catholic life during these changes and accompanied various works of care for sick or disabled people.

Verified location

The ecclesial direction is Guangfu Road 48, in the centre of Magong. The published cartographic code for the temple focuses on 23.5700625, 119.5690625. The marker corresponds to this parish and not to the church of the Immaculate Heart of Mary of Huxi, located elsewhere on the island.

Prayer to Mary, Health of the Sick

Mary, Health of the Sick, remains with those who suffer in Penghu and all the islands of the world. Hold their families, bless doctors, nurses, religious and caregivers, and give us a heart able to recognize Christ in every fragile person. Alcanzus hope in the trial and health that leads to full life in your Son. Amen.

Sources consulted

• Diocese of Tainan: complete chronological history of Magong.
• Panamanians of Taiwan: chronology of their mission and of the temple.
• GCatholic: jurisdiction, direction, location and retirement status.
• Order of the Ministers of the Sick: feast and patronage of Mary Health of the Sick.
• Holy See: Mary, Health of the Sick, in the message for the World Sick Day.

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