The protesters have been stationing themselves at Shengdiliang Shrine in Xiwanzi Diocese, in the Hebei province, since May 13. The shrine is is filled with statues of Jesus the Good Shepherd, Lazarist Bishop Joseph-Martial Mouly, the first bishop of Xiwanzi, and Lazarist Father Mathew Shi, who was the first parish pastor of Xiwanzi Church. Mary, a Catholic who lives in the area, explained the statues were built by a parish priest more than 10 years ago.

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She added they hold significance because people do a pilgrimage to the shrine every Lent.

She said to UCA News: “I believe they may demolish the shrine bit by bit.”

Mary added she believes Catholics in Hebei face more persecution.

This is because the province has the largest Catholic population in China at 1.5 million people.