The China Post
Date: November 12, 2016
By: Tammy Liu
TAIPEI, Taiwan — The Ching-An Temple in Keelung yesterday began its pilgrimage exchange with
Tung Yung (童永), chairman of the temple, poses for a photo at Ching-An Temple (慶安宮) in Keelung on Friday, Nov. 11. (Tammy Liu, The China Post)
other Matsu Temples in Northern Taiwan, launching the year-end Dharma Assembly (謝平安法會).
These events are held to show appreciation to Matsu (媽祖), a goddess known for protecting fishermen and those at sea.
Ching-An Temple (慶安宮), commonly known as Keelung Matsu Temple, was established in 1779. As it is the only sacrificial place to worship Matsu in Taiwan, it has become one of the most important religious centers in the country.
The goddess is revered by sailors across China and Taiwan. Taiwanese marine engineer Shen Jui-chang (沈瑞章), who was held by the Somalian pirates for almost five years, attributed his recent safe return in part to the blessings of Matsu.
Shen’s wife Yang Hsiu-huei (楊秀慧) also said the oracle at Ching-An Temple who prayed for her husband’s return had relieved her of great hardship and suffering during her husband’s time in captivity. [FULL STORY]
