Ngome, South Africa: Ngome Marian Shrine “Tabernacle of the Most High”
About the apparition in Ngome, South Africa:
Ngome is in the heart of ZuluLand and home to an apparition of the Blessed Virgin Mary when she announced herself as “Mary, Tabernacle of the Most High” to a Benedictine Nun, Sister Reinoda May. Sent to South Africa as a missionary, she had made her final vows in 1928 and worked as a seamstress while at the same time learning the Zulu language spoken here.
Later she became a midwife and was made head of the maternity department at Nongoma hospital. She became one of the best known Catholic missionaries in Zulu Land.
During the time that she worked at the Catholic Mission hospital at Nongoma she experienced ten Visions of “Mary, Tabernacle of the Most High”.
Sr. Reinolda felt a pressing urge to spread the Message that Mary had brought to her. Many have responded to Our Blessed Mother’s call.
In 1975 Sr. Reinolda celebrated her 50th anniversary as a Benedictine nun. At the age of 74 she retired from her position as head of the maternity department. She continued to visit the sick, comfort the dying and reconcile the lapsed to the Church. She spent the last 8 years of her life at the missionary station near Inkamana where, on 1st April 1981, she died. She was laid to rest at Inkamana Abbey cemetery.
About the Shrine:
Ngome is located in a thick forest, with a pool in the center formed by several streams. Around this pool is a wooden Cross and benches on which to sit and meditate.
Traveling to Ngome:
Ngome is about 5 hours drive from Johannesburg (about 5 ours) or Durban (about 4 hours). The nearest town is Vryheid, about 50 miles (80 km) distance. The roads are in good condition except for the last few miles which tend to be a bit rough.
Physical Address:
GPS Co-ordinates: S 27⁰ 51,316’ / E 31⁰ 27,223’,
N123 Lot 4 of Sub A, Langgewacht 275, Ngome, Vryheid District, Kwazulu Natal, South Africa.
Postal Address: PO Box 781, Vryheid, 3100, South Africa.
Tel: +27 (0) 10 001 9297 +27 (0) 34 967 9120
Fax: +27 (0) 86 646 7085
Email: ngomemarianshrine@gmail.com
If you plan to visit, be sure to telephone ahead, as advised on their website.
Visit the official website for the Ngomo Marian Shrine.
Photos courtesy Ngome Shrine