TO PLACES LIKE THIS
AND UPLIFT POOR PEOPLE
IN HIS NAME
WITH SOMEONE
ON THE MISSIONS
Last week, children across our Archdiocese went back to school after the July winter holidays. For kids from poorer families, the new school term brings more than just the chance to learn and play with their friends.
It brings the certainty that there will be something to eat today.
Every school day, around 240 learners line up outside our soup kitchens to receive a nutritious daily meal. Soup with samp and beans, or rice and vegetables … fortified porridge … or sometimes just a humble sandwich. It all depends on the generosity of the local community – and the kindness of supporters like you.
Your donations towards these volunteer-run feeding schemes provide a lifeline for children who go to school on an empty stomach. Your kindness not only sustains them – it gives them the energy they need to concentrate in class, so they can reach their full potential.
But rising costs and a growing demand for food has placed enormous pressure on our 14 school and community kitchens. Many are struggling to buy enough food. Without financial support, they face the heart-breaking reality of cutting back on the number of children they can feed … or the number of days they can provide meals.
Right now, some of the kitchens are only operating twice a week. There aren’t enough funds or food supplies to open every day – and children are going hungry.
That’s why we’re hoping you’ll join in with a generous contribution to keep our soup kitchens running. So many desperate people depend on them. From school children to old age pensioners, child-only families and homeless street people.
We see the face of Jesus in those we help. They remind us every day of His words:
“Whatever you did for one of the least of these brethren of mine, you did it for me.’ Matthew 25:40
Please will you reach out now to hungry children and other desperate people in our Archdiocese? Your donation of any amount helps buy bags of rice, samp and beans … fresh healthy vegetables … soup meat … nutritious porridge … bread and peanut butter.
It’s a precious gift of life and health. So please be as generous as your heart tells you to be.
And, when you make your gift, please let us know if you have any special intentions you’d like included in our monthly Mass for Mission friends.
LATEST NEWS
Fr Wandile Cagwe called to eternal rest
We mourn the loss of Fr Wandile, parish priest at Corpus Christi in Upper Tongaat, who was called to rest on Thursday 3 July 2025. Prior to leading this parish, Fr Wandile assisted Fr Desmond Nair at Our Lady of Lourdes in Westville.
First American Pope – a missionary at heart
On Thursday 9 May, Pope Leo XIV (formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost) was elected as the first American pope, marking a new chapter for the Church, rooted in missionary service and pastoral care.
Message from the Archbishop on the passing of Pope Francis
Our joy at entering the Easter Season was immediately met by the sad news of the passing of Pope Francis. This came as a shock, after seeing him giving his Urbi et Orbi blessing on Easter Sunday.
Make a cross for Palm Sunday
Palm Sunday – the start of Holy Week – commemorates Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem for Passover. He was greeted by crowds of people who laid palm branches, representing victory and peace, at his feet.
New school shoes get children dancing for joy
Young learners at Senzakahle Primary School in Ixcopo express their gratitude for the new school shoes provided by our generous supporters.
Sanitary Pads delivered to Mission Schools
Thanks to the generosity of our Mission friends, over 3 000 packs of sanitary pads were handed out to young girls from poor families at schools in our Archdiocese last week.
SUPPORT THE WORK OF THE CHURCH IN AFRICA
WE ARE HERE FOR YOU
Prayers and spiritual support for friends of the missions.
MASS INTENTIONS
Please use the form below to let us know your special intentions for inclusion in our monthly Mass for Mission friends.
MASS INTENTIONS FORM
PRAYERS FOR ALL OCCASIONS
There are times when we feel weary, sad, confused or afraid. And there are times when we burst with joy and thankfulness. Our selection of prayers and readings help you talk to God in good times and bad.
BROWSE PRAYERS 
REQUEST PRAYER CARD
Use the form below to get a printable copy of our beautiful prayer card for families.
PRAYER CARD REQUEST
VISIT US AT THE CHANCERY
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.
BE FIRST TO KNOW
CONTACTS
P O Box 2164
Durban 4000
South Africa
+27 (0) 31 3121848
2026 © Catholic Archdiocese of Durban. All rights reserved.
Website by Tarantula





