THE Joburg Catholic Archdiocese now has its own shrine.
The dream that started more than 10 years ago culminated in ululation on Saturday, 27 April, as hundreds of worshippers and dignitaries witnessed the official opening of the Mother of Mercy Shrine in Magaliesburg, west of Joburg.
Archbishop Buti Tlhagale, the brains behind the shrine, had a vision to build the holy place of worship and prayer for Catholics when he visited Brazil more than a decade ago.
He said church members and pilgrims will visit the place to seek comfort in the merciful heart of Mother Marry.
“Many of us promised to build our heavenly Mother, Queen of Heaven, a house in the Archdiocese of Joburg,” said Tlhagale.
He said he and others would make it a habit to visit the place to experience the heavenly Mother’s unconditional love.
“This shrine will become a place of reconciliation and mending broken hearts. A place of deep-seated peace. A place of spiritual healing. A place where small miracles will definitely happen,” he said.
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The building, which has been under construction for seven years, is 80% complete.
Delays were caused, among other things, by financial problems, boulders that had to be blasted and moved, clay soil, and permission from the Mogale City Municipality.
The archbishop said they still needed to build a chapel, parking lot and another ablution block.
Among the dignitaries who attended the event was Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and People with Disabilities, Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, ANC first deputy secretary-general Nomvula Mokonyane, Gauteng MEC for Community Safety Faith Mazibuko, Gauteng IFP chairman Bonginkosi Dlamini, ANC stalwart Sophie de Bruyn and Reserve Bank Governor Lesetja Kganyago.
The rector of the shrine will be Father Nkosinathi Nkabinde.
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