「第26屆國際聖母學研究大會」(26th International Mariological Marian Congress)於9月3日起在天主教方濟各會所屬之宗座安東尼奧大學舉行，今年國際研討會的主題為「禧年與同道偕行：一個具有聖母面貌與實踐的教會」(Jubilee and Synodality: A Church with a Marian Face and Practice)，會議聚焦討論聖母瑪利亞的神學、信仰及文化意義。
本館賀大使應邀參與此國際研討會，首先於9月3日出席開幕大會，賀大使在會議期間與Card. Rolandas Makrickas 樞機主教、方濟各會總會長Fr. Massimo Fusarelli神父、宗座安東尼奧大學(Pontifical Antonianum University, PUA)校長Fr. Agustin Hernandez神父、宗座國際聖母學院主席Fr. Stefano Cecchin神父、義大利跨領域聖母學會主席Don Antonio Escudero、多國駐梵大使及各修會與學界賓客交流。
與會貴賓在致詞及演講時，曾數次提及感謝台灣參與大會，並且讚賞台灣的跨宗教文化，彰顯了台灣出席本次大會的意義。
【賀大使於大會期間發表專題演講，闡述台灣對世界之愛是聖母慈愛之體現】
賀大使並應邀出席在9月5日下午舉行之分組研討會，會議由宗座安東尼奧大學(Pontifical Antonianum University, PUA)校長Fr. Agustin Hernandez神父主持，賀大使以「Taiwan’s Love for the World as a Reflection of Our Lady’s Maternal Love」為題進行專題演講，介紹我屏東萬金聖母聖殿，以及聖母在宜蘭五峰旗顯現事蹟，並闡述我國長年致力國際人道援助工作，呼應聖母慈愛精神，同時播放了本館剪輯的台灣天主教與國際人道援助短片。當天同場另有安哥拉、摩洛哥、法國、東帝汶、巴拉圭、巴拿馬及厄瓜多等國駐梵大使出席。
賀大使在演講中表示，台灣的聖母信仰見證不僅限於本地，也充分體現在國際人道援助上。並以2010年海地地震時，台灣即時提供醫療協助；COVID-19疫情期間，台灣迅速提高口罩產能，捐贈超過5千萬片口罩給80多國，並説明我國歷年來在世界各地對受天災、戰亂、疾病影響地區及朋友所展現「Taiwan Can Help」的精神，這正是聖母慈愛的延伸。
賀大使也説明台灣對世界人道工作的貢獻，及對民主、自由、人權的堅持，實乃呼應天主教有關聖母瑪利亞四大信理的教義：
ㄧ、「天主之母 」：如聖母以「是」帶來生命，台灣也成為許多地區的生命之源。
二、終身童貞 ：象徵忠貞與誠信，台灣堅守民主與自由的價值，即使面臨壓力也不妥協。
三、無染原罪：象徵純潔的動機，台灣的國際援助出於真誠與無私。
四、蒙召升天 ：象徵希望，台灣持續以愛與服務堅持前行，即使在困境中也不放棄。
賀大使在會中也藉這個崇敬聖母的機會，表達對自己的母親最深的敬愛之意，並對在場與會及全天下母親表達誠摯的敬意，獲得在場多位與會者迴響。
為了彰顯教廷對於這個聖母學國際研討會的重視，教宗良十四世今天在梵蒂岡接見了所有與會成員，賀大使夫婦很榮幸代表台灣出席，共同為這個聖母學研討會畫下了莊嚴完美的句點。
【賀大使英文講稿全文】
Taiwan’s Love for the World as a Reflection of Our Lady’s Maternal Love
Reverend Father Massimo Fusarelli, Reverend Father Agustín Hernández, Reverend Father Stefano Cecchin, Excellencies, distinguished Mariologists from around the world, ladies and gentlemen,
It is a profound honor to stand before you today—not only to share the story of the Blessed Virgin Mary in my home country, Taiwan, but also to reflect on how Taiwan’s witness to the world shines forth as a reflection of her maternal love.
Taiwan is a beautiful island at the crossroads of East and Southeast Asia, once named Ilha Formosa—“the Beautiful Island”—by Portuguese sailors. Today, it is a vibrant democracy of over 23 million people, home to more than 16 Austronesian indigenous groups, descendants of Chinese settlers across centuries, and new immigrants from Southeast Asia. From tropical coasts to mountains nearly 4,000 meters high, Taiwan is rich in natural beauty. Yet Taiwan’s greatest treasure lies not in its landscapes, but in the diversity, resilience, and faith of its people.
The Catholic faith first reached northern Taiwan in 1626 with Spanish Dominicans. Although their mission was brief, they returned two centuries later in 1859, planting roots in the south and building churches that still stand today. Among them, Wanchin became especially significant—a small village known as a “Catholic village.” In 1863, its church was dedicated to Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception. In 1984, Pope Saint John Paul II elevated this church to the dignity of a Minor Basilica.
Every December 8th, thousands gather there for the Marian procession on the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception. For over 150 years, this celebration has united Catholics and non-Catholics alike. Even devotees of Taiwan’s traditional religions come to offer flowers to Our Lady. Wanchin thus represents more than a local devotion: it reflects the spirit of the Church in Taiwan—a community of many peoples and traditions, walking together under Mary’s maternal guidance.
But Taiwan’s Marian witness does not end at home. In 2010, when Haiti was struck by a devastating earthquake, Taiwan was among the first to arrive. Medical teams not only brought supplies but stayed to rebuild clinics, train local staff, and accompany the people in their suffering. One Haitian mother expressed it simply: “We trust Taiwan because they cared for us like family.”
This is the spirit of Our Lady that guides Taiwan’s presence in the world. Despite the political challenges it faces internationally, Taiwan has consistently offered humanitarian aid—disaster relief, medical missions, agricultural training—across Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the Pacific. Especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, when the world was suffering and in lockdown, Taiwan increased mask production from under 2 million per day in January 2020 to over 20 million by May. Ultimately, Taiwan donated more than 51 million masks to over 80 countries to fight against the pandemic. This was the “Taiwan Can Help” spirit: solidarity expressed through service.
And this spirit is profoundly Marian. Just as Mary revealed God’s love not through power but through fidelity, purity, and hope—Taiwan also seeks to embody these same virtues.
Let us reflect briefly on how the four Marian dogmas illuminate Taiwan’s mission of love:
The first Marian dogma is : Mary, Mother of God – A Life-Giving Presence:
At the Council of Ephesus in 431, the Church proclaimed Mary Theotokos—Mother of God. Through her “yes,” she gave the Savior to the world. Taiwan, though small, has become a life-giving presence to many—offering medical aid, agricultural knowledge, and compassion that nurtures life wherever possible. Like Mary, true greatness is measured not by power, but by the love we give.
2. The second Marian dogma-Perpetual Virginity that stands for Fidelity and Integrity:
Mary’s perpetual virginity is a sign of her total fidelity to God’s plan. Likewise, Taiwan—despite pressure and isolation from the PRC—remains steadfast in its commitment to democracy, freedom, and human dignity. In a world often tempted by compromise, Taiwan’s integrity stands as a testimony that fidelity bears fruit.
3. And the third Marian dogma is The Immaculate Conception – Purity of Intention:
Preserved from original sin, Mary’s heart was wholly prepared to receive Christ. Taiwan’s outreach reflects this purity of intention: offering aid not for self-interest or dominance, but out of compassion. Transparent and sincere, Taiwan’s efforts seek only to serve. The Basilica of Wanchin remains a reminder that devotion to Mary purifies the heart and draws us closer to Christ.
4. The fourth Marian dogma-the Assumption – which shows A Sign of Hope:
Mary’s Assumption proclaims that love triumphs and God’s promises endure. Taiwan’s resilience also speaks of hope: despite obstacles, it continues to serve, persevere, and give. Its very persistence is a sign that compassion can flourish even in adversity, and that love can overcome division.
At this point, I invite you to view a short video presentation about the Basilica of Wanchin and the humanitarian works to which Taiwan is dedicated. Before we watch the video, let me share with you a touching and encouraging story about Our Lady’s apparition in Taiwan.
On the night of November 9 in 1980, five elderly hikers lost their way on Mount Wufengqi, Yilan, a city in eastern part of Taiwan. With only a few candles, they were stuck to a steep slope for hours, unsure if they would survive. Then, at nine o’clock, she appeared… a woman in a long white robe, silently descending a staircase in the darkness. The hikers followed her every step. She led them safely down—then vanished into the woods without a trace.
Later, they realized she looked exactly like the Virgin Mary statue at the mountain chapel. Convinced they had been saved by the Blessed Mother, one sought baptism, and together they raised a Marian statue on the spot of the apparition.
Today, pilgrims from Taiwan and neighboring countries still climb to Wufengqi, drawn by the mystery of the night when a silent figure in white became their guide. Now please watch the video.
Ladies and gentlemen,
Like Mary, Taiwan nurtures life.
Like Mary, Taiwan remains faithful.
Like Mary, Taiwan acts with purity of intention.
And like Mary, Taiwan inspires hope.
Taiwan’s story is, in truth, a Marian witness. It reminds us that Mary’s way—the way of humility, fidelity, purity, and hope—is also the way of the Church.
As we honor Our Lady today, allow me also to express my deepest love for my own mother, and my greatest respect for all mothers in the world—whose love reflects, in a most tangible way, the love of Mary.
Through Mary, with Mary, in Mary, to Christ—it is love alone, love like a mother’s for her children, love like Mary’s, love like Taiwan’s for the world, that draws us ever closer to the heart of God.
Thank you.
