A growing Marian shrine in southern China

The "Mystic Rose" Shrine in Fuzhou is a large, white-colored complex set on a hill near the coastal city of Changle, China. Built in 1993, this Catholic pilgrimage site has become the most famous of southern China. Managed by a dozen nuns, the holy place receives more than 10,000 Chinese pilgrims and foreign visitors each year.

On July 13, 2013, the shrine celebrated its 20th anniversary with a solemn Mass attended by 2,000 people on Rosary Hill.

The state-sanctioned Chinese prelate, who had finally gained recognition from Rome, died in 2006, without seeing the fulfillment of his dream of reconciling 'official' Catholics and 'illegal' Catholics. Despite the conflicts, clandestine Catholics visit the shrine and regularly come on pilgrimage.

The popularity of the shrine continues to grow. The construction of a new pilgrim and retreat center is underway.

Source: apic / ucan