History of the Mission
The Augustinian presence in South Africa began with the Augustinian Sisters of Mercy of Jesus, who established themselves in the region in 1891. Over time, they requested the assistance of the Augustinian Friars. In 1997 the Province of Saint Thomas of Villanova (East Coast) in collaboration with the Province of England and Scotland and the Province of Ireland accepted the request of the sisters and for the first time in history established a community of friars in South Africa. The country was recently removed from the era of Apartheid, and the Archbishop of Durban welcomed the Augustinians in the hope we could share with the people our charism of community.
Ministries in South Africa
Our Lady of Mercy Parish, Kloof and outstation parishes
Augustinian Friars minister at Our Lady of Mercy Parish in the suburban town of Kloof, located outside of Durban. We also serve the impoverished Zulu community living in Kwa-Zulu Natal's "Valley of a Thousand Hills" in three outstation parishes: St. Helen's in Edwaleni and St. Leo's and St. Aloysius in Molweni. The Augustinians, with the support of generous donors from the US, have led the construction efforts for new churches at St. Leo's in 2002 and St. Helen's in 2010.
St. Leo's Primary School, Molweni
The Augustinians also support a primary school of more than 685 students at St. Leo's in the rural township area of Molweni. Roughly 10% of students at this Zulu school are orphans and many others are afflicted with disease and the struggles of extreme poverty. Oftentimes, students come to school simply because the food provided is their only chance to eat that day. The government provides one meal per day, and the Augustinians supplement that with breakfast for those most in need and a piece of fruit every afternoon for the entire school.
Augustinian Volunteers
In 2005, the Augustinian Volunteers joined the friars and sisters by sending their first group of volunteers to the Mission in South Africa. The lay volunteers serve at a variety of sites, including the Augustinian-supported primary school at St. Leo's and St. Theresa's Boys Home, run by the Augustinian sisters.
Your support can go a long way in helping the Augustinians minister to all those suffering through hardships in South Africa.
Multimedia