Chiayi, Taiwan, April 9 (CNA) President Chen Shui-bian prayed for world peace and Taiwan's well-being at a Taoist temple Wednesday.
Chen burned incense and presented floral and fruit offerings in a ritual to mark the anniversary of Matsu's birth.
Addressing the tens of thousands of Matsu followers, Chen said afterward that he had prayed for peace in the Taiwan Strait and other parts of the world, as well as for Taiwan's well-being and control of the current global outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome.
According to folk legend, Chen went on, Matsu is the guardian of fishermen. Over the years, he went on, Matsu has become a common belief of the people of Taiwan.
Chen said he is pleased to see the "Tachia Matsu procession" evolve from a local religious event into a national cultural activity.