South Africa in 1922
1922 *** The Vicar Apostolic of the Middle Cape of Good Hope, Fr. Bishop Hennemann SAC asked Pallottine Sisters to help in his missionary district of Oudtshoorn.
1923 *** Sisters Pankratia, Apollonia, Julia, Liboria, Hieronyma and Rosa arrived at Capetown after a four weeks’ sea voyage. In July they set up a mission station at Oudtshoorn. The classroom at the north end of the town had as its only furniture one small table and a chair. The number of pupils increased. Already in 1925 the school received government accreditation. After some time an orphanage, a kindergarten, a sewing training center and a dispensary were added.
School in Oudtshoorn
On the first of August three sisters left Oudtshoorn for Beaufort West, in the large Karoo. At first they lived in a rented house and began teaching European children. In December of the same year they moved to St. Joseph’s Convent.
1928 *** The first Pallottines came to George. Here, too, the sisters started with a school, which was soon recognized by the State. Activities increased. A building which served as an orphanage was added. Later a kindergarten was opened and also a dispensary where ambulatory patients could receive needed care.
1930 *** A second convent, St. John’s, was opened at Beaufort West. Here, too, our sisters started a school for the non white, a sewing training center and a dispensary.
Sr. Richmundis, SAC, Beaufort West 1958
1931 *** In Knysna, on the coast of the Indian Ocean, two small schools were opened, one for non white children and one for the white.
1933 *** Bishop Hennemann was placed in charge of the Diocese of Capetown. He invited Pallottine Sisters for this region. Thus we came into the eastern part of Cape Province.
1934 *** At Koelenhof near Stellenbosch in the Diocese of Capetown, our sisters were able to buy the first property of our congregation on African soil, Vincent Convent. The sisters were in charge of the school, sewing training center and dispensary. The shortage of sisters was the reason for terminating our services there in 1953.
1935 *** A house was opened at Waaikraal near Oudtshoorn where many more opportunities for apostolic activity unfolded in school and kindergarten work and especially in district ambulatory employment.
Sr. Basildis, SAC Waaikraal 1960
An additional house was opened at Philippi near Capetown. This was a home where handicapped children were cared for irrespective of race. Two years later a new wing for this structure became a necessity because of the practice of apartheid, in 1967 entire home was transferred to modern quarters in neutral zone about 15 miles from our sisters in Pinelands. In this way, from simple beginnings and up-to-date “educational city” developed.
St. Joseph’s Home
1938 *** St. Joseph’s Sanatorium was built at Pinelands near Capetown. During the course of time it was enlarged and a maternity home was added. These serve the European population of this area, and this location has now become the headquarters of our African Province.
Sr. Gizelinda, SAC in Pinelands, 1977
1955 *** Pallotti Nursing Home at George was opened. The property including the convent was donated by an Anglican lady as her last gesture of charity for the non white crippled children, the aged, and the sick.
Sr. Ambrosia, SAC in Georg
1968 *** Our African District was declared an independent province with its provincialate at Pinelands.
1970 *** At Philippi a novitiate for non white girls was opened. It is known as “Pallotti House”.
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Source: Outline of History of Pallottine Missionary Sisters, by Sr. Dominika Rose, SAC, manuscript, Generalate in Rome 1970/1971
Photo: Archives
