The Virgin of Sheshan: the Auxiliary of Shanghai

Chinese Marian Advocations

The Virgin of Sheshan, venerated as Our Lady Helper, is one of China's most important Marian advocacy. The Sheshan Basilica, located at the top of the homonymous hill about 30 kilometres from Shanghai, is the most visited Marian sanctuary in mainland China.

History of the Sheshan Basilica

The history of the Sheshan Basilica dates back to the 17th century, when the Jesuits established a chapel at the top of the hill. In 1863, the Jesuits built a new church in a neo-Gothic style, which was raised to minor basilica in 1942 by Pope Pius XII.

The Sheshan Basilica has been an important pilgrimage place for Chinese Catholics since the late 19th century. The faithful go on a pilgrimage especially during the month of May, dedicated to the Virgin Mary, participating in solemn masses, processions and community prayers.

The image of the Virgin Helper

The image of the Virgin Helper venerated in Sheshan represents Mary with the Child Jesus, crowned and dressed in imperial clothes. The image was brought by the Jesuits and has been the subject of a deep popular devotion over the centuries.

The Virgin Helper is invoked as a protector of the Church in China and as an intercessor in the spiritual and material needs of the faithful. Many Catholics attribute healing and protection miracles to the intercession of the Virgin of Sheshan.

The devotion to the Virgin of Sheshan in Taiwan

The devotion to the Virgin of Sheshan has a significant presence in Taiwan, where the Chinese Catholic community has built sanctuaries dedicated to this advocation. The Meishan shrine in Chiayi County houses an image of Our Lady of China canonically crowned by Pope Francis in 2022.

The Virgin of Sheshan during the 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 which they interpreted as signs of the Virgin Mary's presence in Sheshan.

La Virgen de Sheshan hoy

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, and the Feast of the Virgin Helper (May 24) is one of China's most important Marian celebrations.