Before us stands Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church. It is more than just a building. It is a beacon of faith and community in Bellville Cape Town.
Our Lady of Fatima’s story began in 1904. At that time the parish was connected to Stellenbosch. Fr O’Reilly cared for the community. A small wood and iron church appeared in 1927. It officially opened on 25 March 1928. It was named St Vincent De Paul.
Fr Gerhard Henegan became the first parish priest in 1928. A new chapter started on 16 July 1950. Bishop Owen Mc Cann laid and blessed Our Lady of Fatima’s foundation stone. This marked a new beginning.
Our Lady of Fatima was blessed and opened in 1950. A milestone occurred in Bellville South. The Holy Family church was established on 6 April 1975. Archbishop Lawrence Henry blessed a Catholic community Centre on 8 October 2009.
Our Lady of Fatima Church was solemnly dedicated by Archbishop Lawrence Henry. This happened on 28 February 2010. Our Lady of Fatima thrives today. Dedicated parishioners keep it alive. Young and old gather here.
Our Lady of Fatima shares a priest with Holy Family. The priest resides at Our Lady of Fatima. You can contact him at 021 948 4453.
The Bellville Catholic Parish includes two churches. These are Our Lady of Fatima Church and Holy Family Church.
Our Lady of Fatima offers various service times. Sundays see services at 8:00 am and 6:00 pm. Wednesday and Friday services are at 9:00 am. Saturday evenings host a service at 5:00 pm. Confession is available on Saturdays from 6:00 pm to 6:45 pm. Devotions include the Rosary on Wednesdays at 8:45 am.
Holy Family offers services too. Sunday masses are at 10:00 am. Thursday masses are at 9:00 am. First Fridays include a mass at 6:00 pm. The Rosary is recited on Sundays at 9:45 am. Exposition occurs on First Fridays at 5:00 pm. It’s followed by Mass at 6:00 pm.
Our Lady of Fatima is located at the corner of Rhos and Welgemeend Streets. Its postal address is PO Box 1588 Bellville 7535 South Africa. The GPS coordinates are -33.900119 18.625161. The church’s website is www.catholic-ct.co.za/parishes/bellville.htm.
Bellville Parish comprises 1118 families. Numerous clergy and religious figures have emerged from this parish. These include Fr Basil Petersen and Mgr Gerald Petersen. Also Fr Harry Hovers Sr Theresa Petersen Sr Patricia Finn Sr Caroline Japtha and Dcn Tommy Bergstedt.
The parish has many ministries and groups. These contribute to a busy events calendar. Family Day and the International Food Fair are popular. So are the Talent Show Pascal Meal and Carols Concert. Charity work is also important. A special event is the High Tea in the parish.
A children’s academy “Happy Place” operates at the Holy Family Hall. It helps children in grades 4 to 12 with homework. The Knights of St Christopher support Don Bosco Educare Centre. They also aid the School of the Blind.
Our Lady of Fatima stands as a testament to faith. It embodies community spirit. It provides spiritual guidance in Bellville. Its history is rich. Its future is bright. It welcomes all.