A colossal bronze Madonna and Child statue. That’s the first thing you see at The Gate of Catholic. It stands atop the bell tower of the Sheshan Basilica a magnificent structure overlooking Shanghai. The Gate of Catholic itself is the gateway to this sacred site a place of immense spiritual significance.
The Sheshan Basilica is more than just a church. It is a testament to faith perseverance and the enduring spirit of Chinese Catholics. Construction of the first church began in 1863. It was a small chapel built by Jesuit missionaries. They chose this spot on Sheshan Hill during the tumultuous Taiping Rebellion. A derelict Buddhist monastery once stood here. Its remnants were cleared to make way for the new building.
The original church was modest. It was a cross-shaped structure blending Chinese and Western architectural styles. The Shanghai Jesuits prayed at a Madonna statue inside. They vowed to build a larger church after surviving unrest in Tianjin that saw many churches burned down. Their prayers were answered. The new church a monumental basilica rose between 1924 and 1935. It was designed by Belgian and Portuguese Jesuit architects. They painstakingly oversaw the construction. Every stone every piece of wood was carried up the hill by hand.
The basilica’s grandeur is breathtaking. Its marble altar is adorned with gold trim and inlaid jade. The exterior is mainly granite. Parts of the roof are covered in beautiful Chinese color-glazed tiles. The basilica isn’t just a place of worship. It’s also an architectural masterpiece.
The Sheshan Basilica faced severe damage during the Cultural Revolution. The stained glass windows carvings and the original statue were destroyed. A simple iron cross temporarily replaced the Madonna. A new statue was installed in 2000. Yet despite the hardships the faith of the people endured. The basilica stands as a symbol of resilience.
The basilica has served as a pilgrimage site for centuries. Pope Pius IX granted a plenary indulgence to pilgrims visiting in May. The tradition continues to this day. Every May the basilica draws pilgrims from across China. They come to pray along the Stations of the Cross. They come to pray the rosary and attend Mass. Fishermen who once traveled by boat still do. The creeks around Sheshan buzz with activity.
Pope Benedict XVI composed a special prayer for Our Lady of Sheshan. He designated May 24 as a World Day of Prayer for the Church in China. This small gate stands before something quite remarkable. It stands before a testament to faith and devotion. It stands before the incredible Sheshan Basilica. It’s a place that has witnessed history. It’s a place of spiritual power. And it’s a place you’ll never forget. That is the power of The Gate of Catholic.