Media report traffic to be restricted near Shanghai's Sheshan shrine

Published: 2008-04-23

SHANGHAI, China (CNS) -- Shanghai media reported that, during the Marian month of May, traffic will be restricted around the suburban Sheshan area, where China's popular Marian shrine is located. The shrine is one of the most visited Catholic pilgrimage sites in China, especially during May. This year even more pilgrims are expected to visit. Last June, Pope Benedict XVI asked Catholics worldwide to pray for the church in China May 24, the feast of Our Lady Help of Christians, the title under which Mary is venerated at the Sheshan shrine. A Shanghai church source told the Asian church news agency UCA News in April that the government negotiated with the Shanghai Diocese concerning traffic arrangements during the peak pilgrimage period April 30-May 25. The government is concerned about congestion and safety around Sheshan, he said. Some priests in other Chinese provinces told UCA News that government officials have warned them not to visit Sheshan or organize pilgrimages there in May.

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