Anecdotes about the Virgin Mary

Wanjin, the oldest Mother House in Taiwan

Wanjin (Taiwan)

In southern Taiwan, in Wanjin, within the municipality of Wanluan, in Pingtung County, stands what is considered the oldest Catholic church on the island and its oldest Marian shrine. It is known as Our Lady of the Rosary of Wanjin, and its church is dedicated to the Immaculate Conception and the Rosary.

The Catholic presence in Wanjin dates back to the 19th century, with missionaries, including Spanish Dominicans, who planted the seeds of faith there. The church has been enlarged and restored several times over the years, and the local Church recognizes it as a Marian shrine of importance to Taiwanese Catholics, who come to it as "the house of the Mother."

It is important to point out the source of each piece of information. Spanish-language sources are scarce, so the information regarding its status as Taiwan's oldest shrine and its rank as a minor basilica comes from Taiwanese church documents in other languages. For the same reason, the exact year of its founding and a list of canonically recognized miracles are not reliably found in Spanish-language sources. What is a constant feature of the devotion, however, is the annual pilgrimage, centered around a Marian feast day linked to the Rosary or the Immaculate Conception, and the abundance of votive offerings for favors received: health, family reconciliations, and protection during travels.

There is a recurring image that encapsulates the soul of the place: the image of Mary carried in solemn procession through the streets, accompanied by faithful from various towns in Taiwan reciting the Rosary in several languages. Many recount having "returned to the faith of their parents" after accompanying their elders on the pilgrimage to Wanjin. While no specific miracle has been officially approved, this silent and recurring grace of conversions is undeniable.