St Therese

Whose whispers echo through the hallowed halls of St Therese? It’s the whispers of history, of faith, of community. St Therese in Alberton isn’t just a building. It’s a living testament to the enduring power of belief. It’s a place where stories have unfolded since its humble beginnings. The first Mass here wasn’t celebrated in a grand cathedral. It was held in a home on Voortrekker Road and later, the New Market Hotel, on August 22, 1958. Father Tony Daverin OMI, the parish priest of Germiston at the time, led the service. Two years later, on August 14, 1960, the first church building was blessed and opened by Bishop Boyle. This original structure now serves as the parish hall. The St Therese you see before you today, this beautiful church, wasn’t built until much later. Construction began in January 1978, and the grand opening, led by Archbishop J.P. Fitzgerald OMI, took place on January 23, 1979. St Therese has been more than just a place of worship. It has played host to remarkable events. In 2010, during the FIFA World Cup held in South Africa, St Therese was part of a pilgrimage of a different kind. The relics of St. Thérèse of Lisieux, the young Carmelite nun also known as “The Little Flower,” journeyed through Johannesburg, including a stop at St Therese. This event drew huge crowds, echoing similar events in England, Wales, and Ireland. Imagine the atmosphere here, the hushed reverence as people came to venerate the relics, seeking connection and inspiration. The relics’ visit was a powerful reminder of the global reach of faith and the enduring legacy of St. Thérèse. Over the years, a procession of dedicated OMI priests have served St Therese: Fathers George Clarke, Tom Bresnan, John Hennessy, P Keogh, J E Brady, and the long-serving Kevin Bugler, who dedicated his life to the parish from 1985 to 2024. Now, Father Rodney George carries the torch, continuing the legacy of faith and service at St Therese. St Therese stands as a testament to the power of faith to build community, to inspire hope, and to connect people across generations and even across continents.