May 24 is the feast of Mary, Help of Christians, especially revered in China, where she is the patroness of the country.
Since 2007, with Benedict XVI's letter to the faithful of China, her feast day has been a World Day of Prayer for the Church in China.
This year, the feast coincides with the feast of Mary, Mother of the Church, which is celebrated each Monday after Pentecost.
For the feast, the basilica in Shanghai welcomes great throngs of people, not only from China but from other countries around the world.
Pope Francis mentioned China's devotion to Our Lady on Pentecost Sunday, after praying the Regina Caeli.
He encouraged everyone to join in prayer for Chinese Christians, "our dearest brothers and sisters."
Here is what he said:
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[Read about the devotion and shrine below:]
