TO PLACES LIKE THIS
AND UPLIFT POOR PEOPLE
IN HIS NAME
WITH SOMEONE
ON THE MISSIONS
The original stone church built by Fr Wagner.
In 1938, a french Catholic priest, Father Wagner, built a small stone and mud church at Ntshongweni (place of the lion) – in the Valley of 1000 Hills.
Recalled to France the following year to fight in World War II, Fr Wagner made a vow to Our Lady that if his life was spared, he would return to Africa, build a shrine and start an annual pilgrimage in her honour.
Today, the faithful arrive in their thousands to make the annual pilgrimage to Ntshongweni. This sacred site, on the steps of Albini church, is a place of profound personal encounter with the Lord.
The road to the mission.
Pilgrims come for blessings, for healing, and for hope. But not without difficulty.
Because, the driveway leading up to the Mission is little more than a deeply rutted track – almost impassable without a 4-wheel drive vehicle. Pilgrims are forced to walk to the shrine … even those who are elderly or ill.
But if Mission friends like you will observe Mission Month with a generous contribution towards the work of the Church in Africa, we can rebuild the road and upgrade ablution facilities at Ntshongweni.
Not only for the pilgrims. For those who attend the mission creche and girls’ boarding school established by Fr Wagner … and the less fortunate members of the community, who come to the soup kitchen at the church for sustenance.
Proposed area for the new parking lot.
Even though parishes in more affluent areas of our Archdiocese contribute towards our mission stations, it’s not enough to cover upgrades to heritage sites like Ntshongweni – as well as supporting Mission priests, training seminarians, and providing mission vehicles.
That’s why we depend on help from concerned Christians around the world. And why we hope you will make your contribution now.
Important as money is, we also ask for your prayers to help bring people closer to God, wherever they are in the world. In return, we offer up prayers for our Mission friends. So please let us know your special intentions for inclusion in one of our special Masses.
LATEST NEWS
Discovering the chapel at KwaThintwa School for the Deaf
Long-time supporters of the Zulu Missions will recall the heart-warming story behind the establishment of KwaThintwa School for the Deaf by the late Archbishop of Durban, Dennis Hurley.
During a visit to a rural community in Inchanga in 1980, the Archbishop was approached by a young boy, Henry Bekeni Dube, who was deaf. He tugged Hurley’s robes, to get his attention.
Bundles of blankets distributed to the needy – thanks to you!
We asked for your help to bring winter warmth to needy people on the Missions – and once again, your generous response has amazed and humbled us.
Thank you sincerely for opening your hearts and wallets to Mission people who face winter without weather-proof shelter, heating, or hot running water.
From Silence to Success: the inspiring journey of a Deaf learner
My name is Sizwe Minenhle Bengu, and I am a young Deaf man currently pursuing my third year of studies at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. In 2012, I started school at Kwa Thintwa School for the Deaf, which would become much more than a school to me. For twelve years, it was my second home – a place where I was nurtured, guided, challenged, and empowered.
St Phil’s girls end the year on a high note
News from St Philomena’s Children’s Home is that all but one of the 36 girls passed their year end exams with flying colours. The child who didn’t make it has been placed with another organisation, which will enrol her in a special school.
Cardinal Napier – where is he now?
Long time Zulu Mission supporters who remember receiving Cardinal Napier’s friendly letters, will be glad to know that the Cardinal may have retired as Archbishop of Durban, but he is still very much involved in the work of the Church!
May God be with the flood victims in America
Our thoughts and prayers are with the American people in the aftermath of the deadly floods in Texas over the July 4th holiday weekend. At the time of writing, at least 110 people were reported dead – including 30 children.
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ABOUT US
From our base in the city of Durban, South Africa, the Archdiocese of Durban spreads to cover an area of over 20 000 km and serves more than 240 000 Catholics, many of whom live in poverty in remote rural areas.
We strive to overcome the Country’s history of discrimination by offering outreach programmes to all people in need, regardless of their beliefs.
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