After completing the visit to San Francisco, the Mazu pilgrimage in the United States, led by Chairman Cai Yongde, arrived in Houston on the evening of May 18th. Representatives from the Houston Taiwan Association greeted Mazu and her two generals, Qianliyan and Shunfeng’er, and then escorted them to the Temple of Heavenly Empress for a two-day event called the “American Pilgrimage Cultural and Art Festival,” marking the first meeting in Houston.
The following morning at 8 a.m. on the 19th, international community leaders, political and business figures, overseas Chinese leaders, and devout followers gathered at the Overseas Chinese Education Center with respectful and solemn hearts, paying homage and seeking blessings from Mazu, the “Goddess of World Peace.” With security provided by the Houston Police Department and eight mounted policemen as escorts, the first-ever Chinatown street closure took place. The procession, led by the Teochew Association with lion dances, the Chamber of Commerce with dragon dances, and FASCA Youth Cultural Ambassadors as escorts, brought Mazu through the bustling streets, drawing mainstream viewers to experience Taiwanese culture firsthand, enhancing international understanding of Taiwan.
As the procession reached the Hui Kang Square in Chinatown, devout followers lined up eagerly. Despite the recent storms and ongoing recovery efforts in Houston, Mazu’s presence brought warmth and solace to the community. Following Mazu’s arrival at Hui Kang Square, rituals such as “divining blocks” and “entering the palanquin” were conducted for worshippers to pray for blessings. Chairman Cai Yongde of the Beigang Chaotian Temple also brought blessed amulets for protection, ensuring safety and health for all who participated.
On the evening of the 20th, a joint temple gathering was held at Lam Bo, thanking the support and assistance of various entities including the Houston Tourism Bureau, China Airlines for full support, coordination by the Southwest District Council of Houston, the Teochew Association, and the Taiwan Overseas Economic and Cultural Office for their efforts. Special thanks were extended to the team led by Chairman Cai Yongde of the Beigang Chaotian Temple.
Director-General Xiao Yifang of the Overseas Chinese Affairs Commission particularly thanked Commissioner Chen Yiling and Advisory Commissioner Song Mingli, emphasizing that the Mazu pilgrimage not only embodies Taiwanese culture but also unites the hearts of the overseas Chinese community. The decision of Mazu to visit South Houston in the United States was truly meaningful. She also mentioned the touching encounter with compatriots who had driven from Florida to attend the temple ceremony. Southwest District Councilor Lin Fugui, representing Mayor John Whitmire, presented certificates of appreciation to the parties involved in organizing the event, highlighting the importance of cultural exchanges in fostering friendly relations between the two regions.
Chairman Cai Yongde presented a “White Jade Mazu” statue from Taiwan as a gift to Southwest District Chairperson Li Xiong and China Airlines. In his address, Cai Yongde emphasized that Mazu’s faith transcends national borders and races. The “World Mazu Association Beigang 2013,” which gathered a total of 4643 Mazu statues and various deities from around the world, set a new world record, showcasing Taiwan to the global community. Overseas compatriots are encouraged to mark the big day when Mazu is renowned at Beigang Chaotian Temple on March 19 of the lunar calendar and plan to gather in Taiwan. The team expressed special thanks to Chairman Wu Wenlong of Hengfeng Bank, who announced a donation of $100,000 to the Beigang Chaotian Temple during the evening banquet.