La Madonna è apparsa anche in Sud Africa: a Ngome il santuario del Tabernacolo dell'Altissimo

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Created on Wednesday, 25 April 2012 11:20

Nel fine settimana di Pasqua Rai International ha trasmesso un interessante documentario sulle apparizioni della Madonna a Fatima, Lourdes e Medjugorjie. Nel corso del programma è stata anche menzionata la località di Kibeho, in Rwanda, dove la Madonna apparve ripetutamente per otto anni, dal 28 novembre 1981 al 28 novembre 1989. E' stato detto che questa sarebbe l'unica apparizione mai registrata in Africa. Quest'affermazione è inesatta perché la Madonna è apparsa per ben dieci volte anche nel minuscolo villaggio di Ngome, nel KwaZulu Natal, fra il 22 agosto 1955 e il 2 maggio 1971. A seguito di tali apparizioni sono stati costruiti prima una cappella e poi un santuario a Maria Tabernacolo dell'Altissimo.

Ogni anno migliaia di persone si recano in pellegrinaggio a Ngome e raccolgono ampolle d'acqua miracolosa dalle sette sorgenti che la Madonna indicò a suor Reinolda May, la quale ebbe le apparizioni e ricevette i messaggi della Madre Celeste.

Nel giorno dell'Immacolata Concezione, l'8 dicembre del 1990, i pellegrini giunti in pellegrinaggio ebbero la straordinaria visione del sole che pulsava e girava, fino a quando assunse l'aspetto di un'ostia, parzialmente oscurata da un crescente oscuro che si frantumò e scomparve prima che il sole riprendesse il suo aspetto normale.

La Chiesa cattolica del KwaZulu Natal, dopo aver per anni ignorato gli eventi di Ngome, si arrese gradualmente all'evidenza fornita dalla crescente devozione spontanea della popolazione. Ancora nell'agosto del 1981 il vescovo Mansuet Biyase di Eshowe proibiva formalmente a chiunque di pubblicizzare la storia delle apparizioni di Ngome spacciandola per vera e non autorizzava l'organizzazione di pellegrinaggi. Ma nel 1984 dava il permesso di costruire una nuovo santuario a pianta esagonale che ospitava un dipinto con l'immagine della Madonna Tabernacolo dell'Altissimo descritta da suor Reinolda. Nel 1989 lo stesso vescovo autorizzava una dichiarazione pubblica in cui, pur confutando ancora la credibilità delle apparizioni, si ammetteva non esservi nulla di riprovevole nella promozione del santuario di Ngome e nella venerazione di Nostra Signora con il nome di Tabernacolo dell'Altissimo.

Nel 1993 il vescovo Mansuet Biyase non soltanto consacrò un nuovo altare all'aperto su una piattaforma aggiunta alla facciata sud della chiesa, ma partecipava personalmente a tre pellegrinaggi a Ngome. Il 30 ottobre 1993 anche il vescovo Hubert Bucher di Bethlehem, che era stato il delegato sudafricano al Congresso Eucaristico di Siviglia, celebrò la messa in occasione del Pellegrinaggio Eucaristico a Ngome e rivolse ai fedeli la seguente esortazione: "Fratelli e sorelle in Cristo, fate che da Ngome una luce brilli su tutta la Chiesa in Sud Africa".

Negli anni dal 1976 ai primi anni novanta molte migliaia di persone sono state uccise in Sud Africa nell'intifada contro l'apartheid e alcune migliaia nei "killing fields" del KwaZulu Natal.

La persona scelta dalla Madonna per trasmettere all'umanità i suoi messaggi fu suor Reinolda, una benedettina nata in Germania il 21 ottobre del 1901 e battezzata con il nome di Francisca. Aveva sette fratelli e sorelle e crebbe in campagna. Guidata spiritualmente dal suo parroco, decise di diventare missionaria nella congregazione delle suore missionarie benedettine e partì subito per il Sud Africa, dove pronunciò i voti finali il 12 febbraio 1928, assumendo il nome di Reinolda. Imparò presto la lingua zulu e divenne una levatrice nel reparto maternità dell'ospedale di Nongoma, dove il re degli zulu ha la sua reggia. Poco lontano da qui, nel piccolo villaggio di Ngome, le benedettine possedevano un'estesa azienda agricola.

La prima apparizione della Madonna a suor Reinolda avvenne 27 anni dopo, il 22 agosto 1955, festività del Cuore Immacolato di Maria. La Madonna le apparve in spirito sotto forma di "ostensorio vivente" e le disse: "Chiamami Tabernacolo dell'Altissimo. Anche tu sei un Tabernacolo, devi crederci. Desidero essere chiamata con questo titolo per la gloria di Mio Figlio. Desidero che altri simili Tabernacoli siano preparati. Intendo cuori umani. Desidero che gli altari siano attorniati più frequentemente da persone in preghiera. Non avere paura. Fallo sapere".

"A chi?", fu la domanda della religiosa.

"Non avere paura. Dillo al tuo sacerdote".

Questo messaggio sarà ripetuto costantemente dalla Madonna nelle successive apparizioni, la seconda e la terza nell'ottobre del 1955, la quarta il 15 marzo 1956. Ma questa volta la Madonna ha anche un'altra richiesta:

"Desidero che un santuario sia eretto per me nel luogo in cui sette sorgenti si incontrano. Là le mie grazie scorreranno in abbondanza. Tante persone si avvicineranno a Dio".

La suora chiese dove fosse quel luogo e la Madonna "fece un movimento della mano, indicando maestosamente verso l'alto in una certa direzione".

La quinta apparizione fu il 5 giugno 1956, la sesta il 15 marzo 1957 e la settima il 24 maggio 1957. Ogni volta il messaggio era di incoraggiamento e di non aver paura.

Nel dicembre 1957, visitando Ngome, suor Reinolda ebbe forte la sensazione che quello fosse il luogo delle sette sorgenti indicato dalla Madonna.

Nell'ottavo incontro, il 17 aprile 1958, la Madonna le diede un comando: "Vai al tuo posto. Affrettati, l'ora è avanzata. Io devo trattenere con forza le correnti di Grazia perché tu non fai alcuno sforzo per aiutarmi. Ti sto chiedendo di aiutarmi, mia prescelta".

La povera religiosa questa volta trovò la forza di chiedere dove fossero le sorgenti e la Madonna rispose: "Sulla vostra proprietà, sulla montagna".

Dopo questo messaggio le apparizioni cessarono per dodici anni, durante i quali nella cappella delle benedettine a Ngome, che era una delle aule della scuola, fu appeso un quadro di "Maria Tabernacolo dell'Altissimo", dipinto secondo le indicazioni di suor Reinolda. Poi fu costruita una vera cappella, vicino alle sorgenti, che fu inaugurata la domenica di Pentecoste del 1966.

La nona apparizione avvenne il 23 marzo 1970. Racconta suor Reinolda che "era la seconda notte dopo un'orribile apparizione del diavolo. Fui svegliata dal sonno. Tutto intorno a me era luce. Maria Tabernacolo dell'Altissimo era accanto a me. Mi prese fra le sue braccia e mi consolò". E prima di andarsene la Madonna le disse di guardare dall'altra parte. "E là stava San Michele Arcangelo in armatura e lancia in mano. Alla sua destra un cherubino vestito di bianco a braccia conserte. Dopo circa due minuti essi scomparvero e con loro la vivida luce".

La decima e ultima apparizione risale al 2 maggio 1971, quando suor Reinolda si trovava in visita a Ngome. "Poco prima di andarmene - racconta la religiosa - andai ancora alla cappella con un gruppetto di donne. Una catecumena si era lamentata perché voleva essere una credente ma uno dei suoi vicini la insultava e litigavano. Pregai a voce alta con le donne e chiesi a Maria di aiutare quella donna e di convertire l'uomo che le dava problemi. All'improvviso mi resi conto che il quadro aveva preso vita. Lei si fece avanti e il suo viso era immensamente bello. Nella mia eccitazione gridai: Guardate la Madonna. Sono sicura che anche le donne videro Maria. Io personalmente ne fui così toccata che mi allontanai silenziosamente. L'uomo che aveva causato i problemi chiese al prete di perdonarlo e da allora ritornò la pace".

I miracoli

Lettera di suor Reinolda a padre Ignatz Jutz, 30 agosto 1964, a proposito di Monica Simelane:

"Forse ricorderete ancora questo scheletro che voi stesso battezzaste nel Venerdì Santo. Ricordo ancora le vostre parole: Con questa non serve domandarsi se sia in pericolo di vita prima di battezzarla. Si trattava di un parto con taglio cesareo. La donna arrivò troppo tardi e l'infezione era molto avanzata. La ferita non guariva. Fu operata una seconda volta, in quel Venerdì Santo, e un'infermiera non cattolica venne a dirmi: Sorella, non posso fare più niente per Monica. Abbiamo appena tolto le pinze e la ferita è ancora aperta. Puoi tu fare qualcosa per Monica? Io consultai il dottore e la sua risposta fu: Si tratta di tubercolosi addominale e per di più la ferita è infetta, non c'è più speranza. Allora pensai al mio Tabernacolo dell'Altissimo (non avevamo ancora l'acqua) e andai dalla malata con l'immaginetta e le parlai del Tabernacolo dell'Altissimo. Monica parlò all'immagine come se fosse una creatura vivente e le rivolse la propria preghiera. Dopo un poco disse: non morirò, questa donna mi guarirà.

Il giorno dopo la stessa infermiera venne da me e mi disse: Vieni con me a vedere cosa è successo. Andai con lei e cosa vidi? La ferita era guarita! Tutte le infermiere piangevano.

Qualche giorno dopo il dottor Koehler mi chiese: Quando è morta Monica? Risposi: E' viva. E il dottore disse: E' quindi vero che non si deve mai dare nessuno per morto finché il suo cuore batte. E io risposti che era viva grazie a un miracolo.

A questo seguirono altri miracoli. Nel 1993 Suor Deotilla Schuck guarì da un carcinoma delle cellule basali sull'arcata sopracigliare sinistra dopo una novena a Nostra Signora di Ngome.

Nel 1988 Innes d'Unnieville di Empangeni fu convinta controvoglia ad andare in pellegrinaggio a Ngome. Nonostante fosse scettica, fece come gli altri pellegrini e raccolse una boccetta di acqua dalle sorgenti indicate dalla Madonna. Il 21 gennaio 1989 ebbe un'emorragia, il 23 andò dal ginecologo che le diagnosticò un tumore all'addome. Disperata, chiese aiuto alla Madonna, posò l'immaginetta sull'addome e l'emorragia si fermò. Il giorno dopo i figli la portarono all'ospedale di Addington, in Durban, dove la diagnosi fu confermata e le fu prescritta una serie di radioterapie, alle quali si sottopose continuando a bere giornalmente alcune gocce dell'acqua di Ngome. Il tumore scomparve completamente.

Suor Reinolda morì a Inkamana il primo di aprile del 1981. Al suo funerale parteciparono migliaia di persone. I suoi resti mortali riposano nel cimitero dell'abbazia di Inkamana.

 
Mary Tabernacle of the Most High

Siamo debitori di molte di queste informazioni verso la famiglia di Mario Rota

Mary, the Mother of God has chosen Ngome, in the heart of ZuluLand, South Africa, to become a place where we might find a little bit of Heaven in our busy, developing world.

Central Zululand, in South Africa, in all its natural beauty, was chosen by the Blessed Virgin Mary to make Herself known under the title “Mary, Tabernacle of the Most High”, through Her servant Sr. Reinolda May – a Benedictine nun.

 
Sister Reinolda was born in Germany on the 21st October 1901 and named Francisca. She had seven brothers and sisters and was brought up on a farm. She was a lively and charming child with a strong devotion to the Blessed Sacrament. Due largely to the zealous efforts of the parish priest, she was encouraged, along with many of his young parishioners, to consider religious life. Consequently she joined the Missionary Benedictine Sisters but after having been taken ill she had to return soon after this to her family. Having recovered she tried a second time. This time she was accepted.
 
Sr. Reinolda, was sent to South Africa where she first worked as a seamstress. She made her final vows on 12th February 1928. She learned the Zulu language with enthusiasm and determination. Later she became a midwife and was made head of the maternity department at Nongoma hospital. Not far from here, at Ngome, the Benedictines had a large farm.
 
Sr. Reinolda was renowned by her peers to be self-disciplined and level headed, calm and composed, kind and always smiling, good to the mothers whom she nursed, and dedicated to teaching. Her students looked forward to her lectures – she often improvised when explaining things in the primitive hospital. She took the initiative in solving problems and her creativity shaped her style of prayer. She became one of the best known Catholic missionaries in Zululand. Sr. Reinolda put herself at the service of others, encouraged people to go to Church, and had a deep concern for lapsed Catholics and the welfare of the poor. Her gentle and friendly personality made her popular. She encouraged many to pray the Rosary and told them to teach others to do the same. She taught the Zulu’s to pray the Rosary and to go to Church often.
 
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. Her funeral brought an unusually great number of mourners. She was laid to rest at Inkamana Abbey cemetery.
 
Ngome today is a haven of peace for many pilgrims. People feel very close to God here. The Shrine is positioned above the thick forest in which the streams have formed a pool. A wooden Cross and benches are found near the edge of the water. The beautiful and captivating surroundings of the Chapel bring comfort to pilgrims and are conducive to prayer.

The Message

1st Encounter. 22nd August 1955. Feast of The Immaculate Heart of Mary.
 
Shortly after Holy Communion, Mary stood before me, very close-by. Everything was seen in spirit. I was drawn into another atmosphere. Mary showed Herself in a wonderful light more beautiful than the sun. She was robed all in white, flowing veil from top to toe. Upon Her Breast rested a big host surrounded by a brilliant corona radiating life. She was a living Monstrance. Mary stood upon the globe, hands and feet invisible. I felt like entering a cloud, drawn by Mary, away from the earth. I had my eyes closed but I saw so much light that, for several days, I was very much dazzled by the beauty and light that I had seen.
 
Mary said the following:
 
“Call Me ‘Tabernacle of The Most High’. You too are such a Tabernacle, believe it. I wish to be called upon by this title for the glory of My Son. I wish that more such Tabernacles be prepared. I mean human hearts. I wish that the altars be surrounded by praying people more frequently. Don’t be afraid. Make it known”.
 
“To whom?”
 
“Don’t be afraid. Tell your priest.”

2nd and 3rd Encounters
 
In October 1955, on two separate occasions, Sister Reinolda had similar encounters.

 
It happened immediately after Holy Mass. It was the same figure, the same place, the same requests were repeated but the following was added:
 
“Make these Words known to everybody. Don’t be afraid. You are God’s tool.”
 
Then Christ came out of this big Host and was in union with Me.

4th Encounter 15th March 1956.
 
After Holy Mass, Mary stood before me (serious). She said the following:
 
“My child, I know about your anxiety”
 
(She bent down and drew me to herself).
 
“You asked for a sign?”
 
Not for me, for the others, that they may believe. They do not believe me.
 
“I wish that a Shrine be erected for Me in the place where seven springs come together. There I’ll let My Graces flow in abundance. Many people shall turn to God.”
 
When I asked ‘Where is the place?” without words She made a movement of the hand and pointed majestically upwards in a certain direction. This made me very happy and I felt a great assurance.
 
“Don’t be afraid. Make it known. It is My Work. I shall see you again”.

5th Encounter, 5th June 1956
 
3 months later, on the Feast of The Sacred Heart of Jesus, during Benediction of The Blessed Sacrament, Sister Reinolda had another vision. No message was given but Mary revealed Herself in a simple yet profound way.
 
She came out of The Monstrance and approached me as a living Monstrance.


6th Encounter 15th March 1957
 
Mary gave the following message:
 
“I come to strengthen you. I make use of your nothingness. Be totally humble”.
 
Pausing, She drew me to Herself and said:
 
“I want to save the world through the Host, My Fruit. I am completely One with the Host as I was One with Jesus under the Cross… Fearful things are in store for you unless you convert.”
 
I asked: “We?”
 
“Yes, if the religious do not convert and if the world does not convert”
 
“Mother, just give me a sign”
 
“You be all Love and readiness. All people who hear and believe these, My Words, are going to receive a sign from Me. Make all these Words known.”

7th Encounter. 24th May 1957
 
Consolingly, Mary appeared to Sr. Reinolda 2 months later. The following words were clearly heard:
 
“Don’t loose heart!”
 
(In December 1957 when visiting Ngome, Sisiter Reinolda got a strong urge that this was the place Our Lady wanted Her Shrine erected – the place where seven springs met.)
 
 
8th Encounter. 17th April 1958
 
Like a command, Mary said:
 
“Go to your place. Hurry up, the hour is advanced. I must keep back the streams of Grace with force because you do not make any effort to help Me. I am asking for help from you, My chosen ones.”
 
What are we supposed to do?
 
“Be hosts. Prepare hosts for Me. Hosts who put themselves completely at My disposal. Only a flaming sea of hosts can drive back the hate of the godless world and restrain the angry Hand of the Father. Don’t get tired. I find consolation in revealing Myself to you. I shall never abandon you.”

Where is the place of the springs?
 
“On your property, on the mountain”.
 
With a movement of the hand Mary indicated, a second time, the very same direction.
 
“Don’t be afraid. Make haste to make it known?”
 
(On the Benedictine’s farm the classroom of the school was used as the Chapel. A picture of “Mary Tabernacle of the Most High” was painted and it hung in the classroom until a Chapel had been erected. On Pentecost Sunday 1966 a ceremony was held to open and bless the Chapel. After the eighth encounter, twelve years passed before Our Lady brought another Message.)


9th Encounter 23rd March 1970
 
It was the second night after a horrible appearance of the devil. I was woken from my sleep. All around me was light. Mary Tabernacle of the Most High stood beside me. She took Me into Her Arms and consoled me. She said:
 
“I know about your anxiety. I stand by you. I shall not abandon you”
 
Before she disappeared She said:
 
“Look to the other side.”
 
There stood (St.) Michael in armor and a lance in his hands. On his right stood a cherubim robed in white, his arms folded. After about two minutes they disappeared and so did the brilliant light. This was a great consolation for me.

10th Encounter. 2nd May 1971 when visiting Ngome:
 
Shortly before I left I went again to the Chapel with a small group of women. A catechumen had complained that she is in trouble because she wants to believe. One of her neighbours called her names and they were
 quarreling. I prayed aloud with the women and asked Mary to help this woman and to convert this troublemaker.

Suddenly I noticed that the picture was very much alive. She stepped forward and Her Face was immensely beautiful. In my excitement I shouted: “Look at Mary”. I am convinced that the women too saw Mary. I personally was so moved that I walked away silently. The same troublesome man asked the priest for pardon and since then there is peace”.

Testimonies

LETTER FROM SISTER REINOLDA MAY OSB TO FATHER IGNATZ JUTZ
 
30 AUGUST 1964
 
About Monica Simelane:
 
Perhaps you remember still this skeleton which you yourself baptised on a Good Friday. I can still remember the words when you said: “With her one does not need to ask whether she is in danger of death before baptising her.”
 
This case was a Caesarean section. The woman came much too late and she was already very septic. The wound did not heal. She was operated a second time, and on that Good Friday a non- – Catholic nurse came to me and said: “Sister, I can no longer nurse Monica. We just removed the clamps and the wound is again wide open. Can you still do anything for Monica?” I consulted the doctor. His reply was: “It is abdominal TB and on top of it this septic wound. There is no hope for her!”
 
Now I thought again of my ‘Tabernacle of the Most High’. (At that time we did not yet have the water.) I went to the patient with the picture and spoke to her about the ‘Tabernacle of the Most High’ to her. Monica spoke to the picture as to a living being her own prayer. After a short while Monica said: “I am not going to die. This lady is going to heal me.”
 
Next day the same nurse came to me again and said: “Come with me and see what has happened.” I went with her – and what did we see? The wound was healed! The nurses were all crying.
 
A few weeks later Dr. Koehler asked me: “When did this lady Monica die?” My reply: “She is alive!” Doctor replied: ” So one should not give up on anybody as long as the heart still beats.” My reply: “She is healed through a miracle.”
 
SISTER DEOTILLA SCHUCK
 
Missionary Benedictine Sister of Tutzing
 
28.08.1989:
 
A small lipoma over her left eye is removed by Dr. Manfred Niebuhr of Vryheid. Three stitches are made and the excised lipoma is sent for laboratory testing.
 
28.09.1989:
 
Lab result: Basal cell carcinoma
 
April 1991:
 
Dr. Niebuhr is consulted because of a wound over the right temple which was enlarging and wet since 1988. Dr. Niebuhr refuses to operate and refers Sr. Deotilla to a dermatologist in Pietermaritzburg because the wound is directly over a facial nerve and he would rather have a specialist do this operation.
 
Sr. Deotilla refuses to see the specialist. In 1992 Mother Edeltrud Weist, a medical doctor and prioress general of the Tutzing Sister, leaves the decision up to Sr. Deotilla.
 
24.07.1993:
 
The wound looks terrible, like skin cancer, and is bleeding. The dressing is changed daily. A visit is made to Dr. H.R. Neuman, Superintendent of the Vryheid Hospital. Dr. Neuman also looks at the wound and calls immediately to Durban and Pietermaritzburg.
 
Both dermatologists offer an appointment only in August 1993. Dr. Neuman advises to accept the appointment on 4 August with the specialist in Pietermaritzburg.
 
27.04.1993:
 
On this day Sister Maria Froning and Sister Deotilla begin a novena to Our Lady of Ngome for healing. Sister Gerharda, the nurse, dresses the wound as usual. After two days it is no longer necessary to change dressings. The wound is completely dry and healed. Inexplicable!
 
10.06.1993
 
Dr. Neuman visits Sister Deotilla who is a patient at the Vryheid Hospital on account of nose bleeding. Doctor looks at the wound i.e. the place where the wound had been. He looks at Sister Deotilla and me and does not know what to say. It seems that he, just like me, cannot grasp it. Then he asks me: “Sister, what did you do?” Sister Deotilla answered his question and said:    “Doctor, we prayed.”
 
Asked what we should do, whether he as doctor would notify the specialist in Pietermaritzburg and cancel the appointment for 4 August, he replied: “Come with Sister Deotilla a week before the appointment, then I will decide whether or not she is to go to Pietermarizturg.” That would be on 26 July.
 
26.07.1993:
 
Appointment with Dr. Neuman for evaluation of the healed wound. Dr. Neuman: “Referral to the dermatologist, Dr Erasmus in Pietermaritzburg is superfluous because the wound is really completely healed.”
 
Sr. Gerharda Kils, OSB, Inkamana, 15 April 1994
 
I approve the above notes of Sister Gerharda and affirm that they are the truth.
 
Sr. Deotilla Schuck, OSB
 
To whom it may concern. 23 November 1994.
 
Sister Deotilla was examined by me on 27 April 1993. She was suffering from skin cancer of the right cheek. She was seen by me again on 10 June 1993, and I found although she had no treatment, all traces of cancer had disappeared.
 
Dr H.R. Neuman
 
Testimony of Innes d’Unnieville
 
Empangeni, 30/07/1990
 
It was in August 1988, when my sister and my niece insisted that I go to Ngome with a pilgrimage. Meanwhile I had no inclination whatsoever to do something like that as I disliked any fanaticals and excited gatherings, besides, my financial situation did not permit me to do so. But I was invited to join, and on the 12th the pilgrims led by Father Walsh departed from Durban to Ngome, what a wonderful experience, but, I was still not convinced, as I watched everyone going down to the springs to collect the water. I duly, imitated others and also filled up a tiny bottle.
 
That night, at the hotel in Mkuze, I just wanted to be on my own, so that I could reflect upon the experiences of the day. There was no words to describe it. The shrine was really a special place.
 
Six months later my health started to deteriorate and on the 21/01/1989 I haemorrhaged most of the night and in the morning, it became quite heavy and I was starting to get weak
 
After contacting my children in Empangeni, my son in law fetched me from my flat in Durban and took me back with him, there I stayed for 2 days and the bleeding carried on and off.
 
On the 23/01/1989, the local gynaecologist examined me and diagnosed an advanced tumour in the womb. He ordered me to spend the night in Empangeni Hospital, as I had lost a lot of blood and was in a bad shape. I would probably need to have a transfusion. Thereafter I would have to go to Addington Hospital in Durban, as there were no equipment’s locally for the treatment, which I needed.
 
In my shock and desperation, I called upon Our Lady to help me. And I remembered that I had in my handbag a photograph of the painting, depicting the apparition of the mother of the Redeemer, Tabernacle of the Most High. I placed this photograph at the spot where the tumour was situated. The bleeding stopped instantly and has never come back, to this date, there was also no need for any transfusion.
 
The next day my children drove me to Addington Hospital, where I stayed for 10 days, during which I drank a few drops of Ngome water daily, I had an entire trust in this water and my faith grew deeper.
 
During my stay, the doctors did a biopsy of the tumour, and told me that I had cancer in my womb, but not to worry, there will be no surgery, only treatments. I was not to stay in hospital but could come in to receive a combination of cobalt and radium treatments.
 
Now everyone who knew about me and about these treatments warned me that they were dreadful and that I had to take great care because of the after effects. Well I had 20 sessions with a break of 15 days in between. I never had any reactions, I managed to stay all by myself and was truly carried through this whole period of time. I must admit that the photograph and my Rosary never left me.
 
In May 1989, barely 5 months later, I had my first medical examination and the doctor certified that there was no more trace of cancer in the womb. Every 3 months I have to go to the hospital to be examined and every time I’ve been clear.
 
My faith is a gift from God, for which I want to give Him thanks and all glory.
 
Mother of the Redeemer and Tabernacle of the Most High, we greet you. In the first instant of your life God made you the sanctuary of his presence. The Son of God found in you a dwelling place on earth. You received Jesus with undivided heart and became one with him.
 
Mary, Mother of Christ and our Mother, may we become more worthy tabernacles of God by your prayer. Show us Jesus in the Most Holy Sacrament of the Altar. Implore your Son to grant us conversion of heart.
 
Mary, our Mother we thank you. Together with you we give all glory and honour to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. AMEN
Status


Ecclesiastical Status
 
Is Ngome approved by the Church?
 
During 1989, Bishop Mansuet Biyase (the local Bishop of Eshowe – the diocese in which Ngome is situated) and Fr. Michael Mayer O.S.B. met with Fr. Paul B. Decock O.M.I., the chairperson of the TAC (Theological Advisory Commission of the South African Catholic Bishops’ Conference), to discuss the Ngome Affair. At their request, Fr. Paul B. Decock compiled a statement about Ngome in which he said: “There is nothing objectionable in this (the promotion of the sanctuary at Ngome and the veneration of Our Lady under the name of Tabernacle of the Most High). One does not need divine sanction to start a sanctuary and venerate Our Lady. Pilgrimages could be allowed even if we are not sure of the ‘authenticity’ of the visions…The content of the visions is doctrinally acceptable. These views can be put forward in sermons and leaflets.” (Cf. Paul B. Decock, The Ngome Visions, 07-05-90; Ngome File).
 
On November 13, 1990, Fr. Michael Mayer published a circular in which he wrote: “The Marian Shrine at Ngome is a sign of the presence of Our Lady in the life of the local Church…Devotion to Our Lady at Ngome will be an opportunity to work and pray for peace in our country…The story of Ngome began thirty-five years ago. Many believe that the Marian shrine at Ngome is the work of Our Lady.” This was followed by several similar letters, announcing various activities and events taking place at Ngome. (Cf. circular letters of 22-08-92; 01-09-92; 02-02-93; 25-04-93). In the meanwhile, the significance of Ngome as a shrine of Our Lady and a special place of prayer in the Diocese of Eshowe was further underlined by decisions and steps taken by the bishop. In December 1991, he incorporated Ngome into the sacred Heart Parish of Inkamana. Fr. Michael Mayer, the parish priest of Inkamana, now acted as the custodian of the shrine.
 
A very important day in the annals of Ngome was Saturday, October 3, 1992, when Bishop Mansuet Biyase blessed the open-air altar. It was built on a platform attached to the southern front of the church. The bishop celebrated Holy Mass with several hundred pilgrims who had come from the Diocese of Eshowe and from farther away. He used this opportunity to declare the Marian Shrine at Ngome a place of prayer. Ngome had thus became, to all intents an purposes, a sanctuary of Our Lady which has the approval of the Church. It meant that pilgrimages to Ngome were no longer merely condoned but could now be actively promoted. Fr. Michael rightly calls this a historic day, saying: “Our Lady and Mother, the Tabernacle of the Most High, has worked wonders. We thank her. We ask her to show many people the way which leads to her at Ngome…to make her shrine known in our beloved country” (cf. Fr. Michael’s circular letter, 22-08-92).
 
Bishop Mansuet Biyase of Eshowe took part in three major pilgrimages to Ngome in 1993. Each time between three hundred and five hundred people gathered around the shrine. Bishop Hubert Bucher of Bethlehem (South Africa), South Africa’s national delegate to the Eucharistic Congress in Seville 1993, was the main celebrant at a “Eucharistic Pilgrimage to Ngome” on Saturday, October 30, 1993. A Mass of thanksgiving was held at Ngome on May 31, 1994, after the first free general election had been conducted peacefully in the country.
 
The 8th of December 1994 was a day of special significance for Ngome. Besides being the feast of the Immaculate Conception it was also the 40th anniversary of the first mystical experience of Sister Reinolda May. Bishop Pascal Rowland, of the neighbouring diocese of Dundee, celebrated Holy Mass and benediction at Ngome. He delivered a moving homily in which he presented a challenging message on the need for Eucharistic devotion. Following this, Bishop Rowland blessed a statue of Our Lady, Tabernacle of the Most High, which was to find a home at the place of the springs. The Bishop then blessed the new crucifix as well as a new painting of Our Lady, both of which would be displayed in the small shrine.
 
In June 1996 hundreds of Plgrims made their way to Ngome for the blessing of the new Pilgrims Rest Centre by Bishop Biyase. On this day the Bishop also blessed a new grotto and statue of Our Lady that had been built alongside the Pilgrims Rest as well as the corpus that had been donated for the cross beside the small shrine. In 1997 the Southern Cross Catholic newspaper featured various articles on Ngome and the new video documentaries that had been produced on the Shrine.
 
In December 1997 Benedictine Nuns from Twasana moved into their new convent that had been built alongside the Ngome Shrine. As a “community of adoration” their main apostolate was to become prayer (with a special focus on adoration of the Blessed Sacrament) and care of the Pilgrims. The sisters took charge of the running of the Ngome Pilgrims Rest Centre.
 
In 1998 Ngome featured on national television in South Africa (SABC) on at least six seperate occasions. Each of these programs portrayed Ngome in a very positive light. The most notable of these was a half hour documentary screened at evening prime time. This program was also rebroadcast on the following day. On the Feast of the Queeenship of Mary (22nd August) in 1998 Bishop Biyase came to Ngome especially to bless the Benedictine sisters in their new apostolate as caretakers of the pilgrims.
 
In 1999 the Diocesan Pilgrimage for the Diocese of Eshowe was held at Ngome. Bishop Biyase was present and many others who were present spoke of this day with its various liturgical celebrations as having been a truly remarkable day. All these events clearly indicate that the Ngome Shrine in honour of Our Lady has become a genuine place of pilgrimage for the Catholics in the Diocese of Eshowe and for many others in South Africa.
 
Custodians of the Shrine at Ngome:
 
Fr. Albert Herold OSB Aug. 1985 – Jan. 1988
 
Fr. Joseph Rosa-Gomes Jan. 1988 – Oct. 1991
 
Fr. Victor Makhetha Oct. 1991 – Dec. 1991
 
Fr. Michael Mayer OSB Dec. 1991 – 2009
 
In his book Discernment of Apparitions. Marian Apparitions Today. Why So Many?, by Fr. Edward D. O’Connor, C.S.C., Fr. O’Connor states that: “Some people refuse to give any consideration whatsoever to a reported apparition until it has been officially approved. This is not the attitude which the Church asks of us, and it can deprive us of the graces brought by the apparition. The Church normally waits a long time before issuing a pronouncement about a particular apparition, and about most of them it says nothing. If we refuse to pay any heed to one until it has been approved, the chances are we will never have that opportunity… Moreover, this would actually hinder the action of the Church, which looks especially at the fruits when evaluating such phenomenon. If everyone waited for the Church to make a pronouncement, there would be no fruits, and in fact no occasion for the Church to make any judgment at all. If people had waited until the Church pronounced on Lourdes or Fatima, we would not have heard of either of them today. Respect for the pastoral authority of the bishop does not mean denying to lay people any judgment whatsoever, but giving to each the due measure of respect.”