Experiencing One-day Pilgrimage

Matsu, the revered Chinese sea goddess, enjoys widespread worship across Taiwan. The Dajia Matsu Pilgrimage stands as one of the world's three most significant religious events. Annually, over a million devotees escort Matsu to Xingang in Chiayi to pay their respects. Throughout the journey, Matsu bestows blessings upon the faithful, providing comfort and solace. These blessings from Matsu have become a stabilizing force for people's minds, offering spiritual refuge, particularly to those suffering from illness.

On April 10, TFRD organized a one-day pilgrimage for 106 patients and their families. We were fortunate to witness various Din Tao performances, a traditional folkloric art in folk rituals, up close. The temple management graciously assisted us in praying for Matsu's blessings and prepared a peace meal for us. As we awaited the arrival of Dajia Matsu's palanquin, an emotional atmosphere enveloped the patients and their families. In a compassionate gesture, Matsu enabled the patients and their families to participate in the leng-giu-de ritual, where they received blessings by crawling beneath the palanquin. With great effort, the carriers of the palanquin lifted the palanquin, allowing wheelchair-bound and less mobile patients to form a line and be blessed during the leng-giu-de.

This year, we visited a total of seven temples, supporting each other along the journey to our final destination. Together, we accomplished this heartfelt and meaningful mission. Patients with rare diseases often have frail bodies, and the prolonged struggle between life and time places a heavy burden on the hearts of their family members, who greatly need spiritual comfort and support. We extend our deepest gratitude to Dajia Zhenlan Temple, Xiluo Chaoxing Temple, Xiluo Yuliao Zhennan Temple, and all the volunteers for their invaluable assistance. Throughout this journey, we deeply felt the sincerity and passion of the Taiwanese people and are immensely grateful for the support from all sectors of society towards these patients.

Translator: David Lee (Becker Muscular Dystrophy)