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The Diocese of Umzimkulu was established in 1954 by the excision from the Diocese of Mariannhill, of the civil districts of Umzimkulu, Harding and portions of the districts of Port Shepstone, Bulwer and Himeville, south of the Umzimkulu River. Area: 15 275 sq.km Total Pop: 509 830 Cath. Pop: 82 761.
Diocese of Umzimkulu comprises of 15 parishes that each have from 6 to 14 outstations - chapels to serve by the missionary.
People are very religious, committed to God and the Church, often walking many kilometers/miles to attend the Holy Mass. Holy Mass is often in private houses - rondavels - where people usually sit on the floor. In some chapels there is not enough space - so children have to sit around the altar.
There are many Christian denominations that are cooperating in prayer and in the social issues. Altars Servers play important role in our celebrations. Different associations enhance the feeling of belonging to the local Christian Community.
The pandemic of AIDS in our Diocese and Country kills so many people, especially young who leave behind namy small orphaned children who do not have proper care and support. We are trying together with local volunteers to support the sick and the orphans but we have very limited resources.
These children may look joyful when we make photo, but their life is so tragic. We are trying to help the orphans to look for foster parents or any other support to show them that they are not alone after the death of their parents. Even a small toy creates a beautiful smile on the face of the child.
Most of the time the ploughing is done by oxen. Women are trying to plant some vegetabls in a small garden; there is a problem of water, as they have to carry it in buckets on their heads from the distant stream. Everyday work of girls and women is also to bring firewood for the cooking.
Roads are very bad, especially after rain - the cars of missioanries are often pulled by oxen when they get in trouble and slide off the road. Travelling by the people is mostly done on foot and on the horse for men when they have one. And boys ride the donkeys.
Sometimes in winter (May-September) there can be very cold with snow falling.
YOU ARE INVITED TO VISIT US AND TO SUPPORT US IN OUR MISSION WORK AMONG ZULU PEOPLE IN UMZIMKULU DIOCESE IN SOUTH AFRICA.
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