Thousands Gather for Madonna Procession Around Taiwan's Oldest Catholic Church
A procession honoring a feast day of the Virgin Mary took place at Taiwan's oldest surviving Catholic church in the southern county of Pingtung over the weekend, bringing out thousands of people. The annual event involves a unique fusion of eastern and western faith traditions.
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Madonna Procession: Combining Catholic Tradition and Local Taiwanese Customs
In the small village of Wanjin in Pingtung County, southern Taiwan, the streets come alive every December 8 as the Virgin Mary is carried in a grand procession. Known as the Madonna Procession, this annual event is Taiwan’s largest Catholic celebration, blending centuries-old Catholic traditions with local Taiwanese customs.
The date holds special significance, marking the anniversary of the founding of Wanjin Basilica—the oldest Catholic church in Taiwan, established in the 1860s—and coinciding with the Catholic feast of the Immaculate Conception, honoring the Virgin Mary.
A Unique Blend of Cultures
Unlike traditional Catholic processions seen in the West, the Madonna Procession incorporates distinctly Taiwanese elements. The Virgin Mary’s statue is perched atop a sedan chair, much like the way deities are carried during traditional temple celebrations. Pan Mei-yen, a Knight of the Holy Sepulcher, highlights this cultural fusion: “The West already has a procession for the Virgin Mary, but we have incorporated an Asian flare. Did you see the fireworks today? That’s our unique feature—it wasn’t set off by us but by a family from another religion.”
This openness reflects Taiwan’s cultural diversity, where different faiths coexist peacefully.
Sacred Duty and Community Spirit
At the heart of the event are the volunteers who take turns carrying the Virgin Mary’s sedan chair through the streets. The chair itself is said to weigh between 500 and 600 kilograms, making the act of carrying it both physically demanding and spiritually significant.
“Carrying the sedan chair is something very sacred to us,” says volunteer Pan Chi-hsin. “It’s a way to bear all our hardships from the year, to release some of our sins and burdens.” For the volunteers, the Madonna Procession is not just a display of faith but a cathartic experience of reflection and renewal.
A Celebration of Faith and Unity
The event draws thousands of people from all walks of life, including locals, Christians and members of Taiwan’s growing Filipino community. For many Filipinos living in Taiwan, the procession offers a comforting reminder of home.
“I have been in Taiwan for 27 years, and I attend this celebration every year,” shares one participant. “It brings us together as a family and strengthens our faith.” Others see it as an opportunity to pass on their Catholic traditions to their children, especially those growing up in Taiwanese households.
“We Catholics are family-oriented,” says another attendee. “Even here in Taiwan, we want to educate our children about our faith and the Catholic system.”
Festivities Beyond the Parade
While the Madonna Procession is the highlight, the celebrations don’t end there. Festivities at Wanjin Basilica continue throughout December, with Christmas events lighting up the village as the year draws to a close.
As the Virgin Mary’s sedan chair returns to the church and the parade concludes, the sense of unity and spiritual fulfillment lingers, making this event not only a celebration of faith but also a beautiful symbol of cultural harmony.
