Over the past few months, various changes have taken place at the Shrine in Cathcart. For those who don’t know, it is the first Shrine in South Africa. More notably, it is the first Schoenstatt Shrine in Africa. Many refer to it as the Mother Shrine of Africa – a very special place indeed! Since 1935, the Sisters have been a permanent presence in Cathcart. Unfortunately, this changed after Easter this year. Sister M. Kathleen, who has faithfully served the community in Cathcart, returned to the Sisters’ provincial house in Cape Town. At present, no other Sister is available to be in Cathcart on a full-time basis – but that does not mean that they have “left” Cathcart altogether. The Sisters have modified the house and have enabled a family to live there. Additionally, they renovated a section to accommodate two visiting Sisters. Several visits have already been made – the last one just a few days ago!
Vision for the future
During his only visit to South Africa in 1948, Father Kentenich encouraged the Sisters to build a Shrine. He told the people of Cathcart: “The Sisters have promised to build a shrine for the Mother of God here in Cathcart, and they want to ask her to come down and be always with you to help you in your need. I am sure that you suffer greatly and have many needs. Our Lady would like to help you. She is like a Mother who loves the poor and especially children.” (18 January 1948). Today, more than 70 years later, there is still immense suffering among the people living close to the Shrine. Poverty and unemployment are rife and it is the children who suffer the most. Divine Providence has seen to it that those who have generously taken over the daily care of the Shrine have huge hearts for the children.
Children at the Shrine
The Shine is slowly developing into a place which the neediest children come to visit. In September, the Roundtable of Cathcart came to the Shrine to hand out blankets and clothes to those in need. Another initiative is the after-school programme that has been started for the children. Every Wednesday, Catholic children from the local school come to get support in doing their homework. For most of them, doing homework at home is very difficult. They don’t have electricity and there is no space to focus on their work. In winter it is extremely cold and in summer very hot! At the Schoenstatt Centre, they have tables, books, pencils and most importantly, people who can help and encourage them. The daughter of the local deacon organises the program which is funded by Bunty’s Basics and Schoenstatt.
Fun days around the Shrine
Not only the locals have been doing things for the children and youth but the Sisters too have traveled from Cape Town to run programmes. In June and in September, a Sister ran “fun days” for teenagers and also for younger children. The programmes are specifically intended to teach the young people about of the Shrine. Imperative is that we help the youth to find a home in God and Our lady. We wish to emphasise that Our Lady, as Father Kentenich said, is truly their mother! She is there for them and wants to help them. Furthermore, we teach them about their dignity as children of God and how to become better people. Important is that we encourage them to go try their best and not to give up. The Sister who runs the programme said: “It is impressive to see what the children and young people have remembered since my last visit.”
Not just for Children
Thanks to the generosity of some ‘locals’, the Shrine is open from 7:30 am until 6 p.m. The ringing of the angelus bell reminds those living close to the Shrine of Our Lady’s presence. Everyone is welcome to join the daily Holy Mass or communion service if a priest is not available. Pilgrims, particularly from Queenstown and East London, a two-hour drive away, frequently visit our Blessed Mother. Whenever they do, they experience the nearness of God and Our Lady, and take time to pray and write their petitions. Many were obviously worried that the Shrine would be closed, and express their gratitude that the Sisters are searching for new ways to keep it open.
Upcoming Jubilee
In December we will be celebrating seventy years since the Shrine was consecrated. As it is so close to Christmas, the Sisters decided to move the celebration forward to November. A group of Sisters, together with their General Director from Germany, will make a pilgrimage to the Shrine. They will undertake the 13-hour bus journey from Cape Town to celebrate with pilgrims from the surrounding area and Schoenstatt members throughout the country. You are welcome to join us in celebrating this significant jubilee of our first Schoenstatt Shrine on the continent of Africa and indeed, one of the oldest daughter Shrines world-wide! The celebration will take place on the 16th November at 10.00 am. Our Lady would be happy to see you there!