WE CAN ALL BE MISSIONARIES AT HEART!

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.

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.

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.

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