Five Sisters of Nazareth journeyed from Hammersmith London. They arrived in Cape Town in 1882. Their mission was to establish a Nazareth House. This was the first Nazareth House outside the United Kingdom. The Nazareth House Chapel stands before you. It is a testament to their enduring legacy. The Sisters initially settled at 65 Buitenkant Street. Smallpox prevented immediate docking in Table Bay. The Vicar General warmly welcomed them. He accompanied them to their new home.
Their first Christmas in Cape Town was quite unique. Used to a cold winter Christmas they found the summer heat unusual. In early 1883 they moved to 18 Roeland Street. This larger house offered more extensive grounds. Bishop Leonard visited the Mother House in London in 1884. He returned with three additional Sisters. Their work expanded rapidly. They acquired five acres of land near Upper Mill Street. The location offered a magnificent view. It was however inconvenient regarding roads water and sewerage.
The Anglo-Boer War erupted in 1899. The Sisters assisted Catholic soldiers. They handled hundreds of letters to and from troopships. They also wrote to soldiers’ families offering comfort. A bubonic plague epidemic struck Cape Town in 1901. The Sisters worked tirelessly to prevent its spread. They attributed their survival to prayer. The Spanish flu epidemic devastated Cape Town in 1918. Over 5000 people died. The Nazareth House was impacted but survived. One Nazareth Sister perished.
The Nazareth House Chapel you see today is linked to the Nazareth House. The German-speaking Catholic community uses it for services. The children of Nazareth House shone at Eisteddfods winning awards in elocution and singing. Cardinal McCann encouraged the Sisters to work with the Coloured population. Legal restrictions prevented this initially. Sister Sebastian provided social work and support despite these challenges.
In 1993 Nazareth House began caring for babies with AIDS. Media coverage led to increased donations. The Sisters continued their dedicated service despite the challenges. The Nazareth House welcomed many dignitaries. These included Tony Blair Nelson Mandela and Earl Spencer. The Chapel has witnessed acts of both faith and service. It represents a long history of compassion in Cape Town. The Nazareth House Chapel continues to stand as a beacon of hope. It serves as a reminder of the Sisters’ unwavering dedication to the vulnerable.