立法院韓國瑜院長於本（5月22）日中午在國民黨洪孟楷委員、民進黨何欣純委員、國際事務處林晨富處長，以及僑務委員會榮幼娥主任秘書等人陪同下，於立法院康園餐廳款宴「日本國際媽祖會回國致敬團」一行。
On the afternoon of May 22, Legislative Yuan President Daniel K.Y. Han hosted a banquet at the Kang-Yuan restaurant of the Legislative Yuan in honor of a homecoming delegation from the Japan International Mazu Association. President Han was accompanied by KMT Legislator Hung Mong-Kai, DPP Legislator Ho Hsin-Chun, International Affairs Department Director Kevin C.F. Lin, and Secretary-General Jung Yu-O of the Overseas Community Affairs Council (OCAC).
韓院長致詞時首先歡迎訪團及隨團出席之高雄市陳麗娜議員。他表示，媽祖信仰在台灣源遠流長，最早可追溯至1624年，迄今已有四百年歷史。創建於台南的天后宮為全台首座媽祖廟，被尊稱為「大天后宮」，具獨特歷史意義。
President Han first welcomed the delegation and Councilor Chen Li-Na of the Kaohsiung City Council, who accompanied the delegation. President Han stated that the Mazu faith has a long-standing history in Taiwan, dating back as early as 1624, with a heritage spanning 400 years. He also mentioned that Tainan’s Mazu Temple is the first Mazu temple in Taiwan and that it is known as the “Grand Mazu Temple” due to its unique historical significance.
韓院長進一步指出，媽祖又稱「天上聖母」、「海上女神」，與海洋文明密不可分，凡以貿易與航運為主的地區，幾乎皆有媽祖信仰。台灣的媽祖遶境進香，更與伊斯蘭教的麥加朝聖及天主教的梵蒂岡耶誕彌撒並列為全球三大宗教盛事。據統計，台灣約2,300萬人口中，媽祖信徒即達1,000萬人。每年農曆3月23日媽祖聖誕前後，全台湧現規模龐大的進香隊伍，尤以彰化、雲林地區最為盛大，萬人空巷，展現驚人宗教能量與文化凝聚力。
President Han further pointed out that the Mazu deity, also known as the “Holy Mother of Heaven” and “Goddess of the Sea,” is closely connected to maritime civilization. In regions where trade and shipping are prominent, Mazu worship is commonly found. Taiwan’s Mazu pilgrimage has been ranked alongside the Islamic Hajj and the Catholic Christmas Mass at the Vatican as one of the three major religious events in the world. Statistics show that out of Taiwan’s total population of 23 million, as many as 10 million are Mazu followers. Every year around Mazu's birthday on the March 23rd of the lunar calendar, massive pilgrimage groups form across Taiwan. Tens of thousands, especially in Changhua and Yunlin, participate, demonstrating powerful religious devotion and cultural cohesion.
韓院長特別指出，媽祖信仰之所以能跨越宗教、族群與黨派，其核心在於所展現的三大精神：一是「慈悲」，不分背景、信仰，廣納眾生；二是「無私」，傳說中媽祖於暗夜焚燒自家閣樓，為指引漁民平安靠岸；三是「勇敢」，媽祖曾冒險營救父兄，體現堅定無懼的大愛。日本四面環海，與媽祖信仰高度契合，信眾日益增長，「日本國際媽祖會」的蓬勃發展，正展現台日之間深厚的跨國文化連結與友誼。
President Han specifically highlighted that the reason the Mazu faith transcends religion, ethnicity, and political affiliation lies in its embodiment of three core values: the first is compassion—embracing all people regardless of one’s background or faith; the second is selflessness—as in the legend where Mazu burned her own attic at night to guide fishermen safely to shore; the third is courage—as demonstrated when Mazu risked her life to save her father and brother, reflecting great love, determination, and fearlessness. Japan, being surrounded by the sea, shares a natural affinity with the Mazu faith. President Han said that the growing number of Mazu believers in Japan and the flourishing development of the Japan International Mazu Association represent the deep intercultural ties and friendship between Japan and Taiwan.
韓院長最後強調，世界上最偉大的三種人：一是春風化雨的「教育家」；二是大愛無私的「慈善家」；三是自度度人的「宗教家」。媽祖信仰所蘊含的精神力量，恰恰融合上述三者，將慈愛與關懷散播至世界每一個角落。
President Han concluded by emphasizing that the three greatest kinds of people in the world are: educators, who guide and inspire; philanthropists, who give selflessly with great love; and spiritual figures, who attain enlightenment while guiding others. The spirit of the Mazu faith embodies all three, spreading kindness and care to every corner of the world.
「日本國際媽祖會」曾鳳蘭會長敬佩韓院長長期對宗教信仰與傳統文化的尊重與關懷，無論貧富貴賤、政黨立場，皆能給予溫暖與支持。曾會長表示，台灣宗教文化力量不容忽視，例如媽祖遶境進香長達12天，吸引大批信眾熱情參與，也安定無數人心。儘管「日本國際媽祖會」並非大型組織，但信仰虔誠，已於全球各大洲成立近20個姐妹會，致力於傳揚媽祖慈悲精神。最後，曾會長致上祝福，期盼韓院長持續為台灣發聲，讓媽祖精神在國際間傳遞更多正向能量。
President Tseng Feng-Lan of the Japan International Mazu Association expressed her admiration for President Han’s enduring respect and commitment to religious beliefs and traditional culture. Regardless of social status or political affiliation, she noted, President Han consistently offers care and support. President Tseng also remarked on the profound influence of Taiwan’s religious culture; for instance, the 12-day Mazu pilgrimage draws massive crowds of enthusiastic participants and brings peace to many. Although the Japan International Mazu Association is not a large organization, its members are deeply devout. The association has established nearly 20 sister organizations across continents, all dedicated to spreading Mazu’s compassionate spirit. In closing, President Tseng offered her blessings and expressed hope that President Han will continue to speak out for Taiwan so that the spirit of Mazu may spread globally and bring more positive energy to the world.
隨後，雙方互贈紀念品。韓院長並偕同出席委員與訪團全體成員合影留念後，午宴正式展開，席間洪委員及何委員亦分別與訪團成員親切互動，餐會歷約2小時，氣氛熱絡、賓主盡歡，在溫馨融洽的交流中圓滿結束。
Following the remarks, both sides exchanged commemorative gifts. President Han, together with the attending legislators, councilor and delegation members, posed for group photos to mark the occasion before officially commencing the banquet. During the luncheon, Legislator Hung and Legislator Ho engaged warmly with members of the delegation. The event lasted approximately two hours, concluding on a high note amid a lively and joyful ambiance.
