In 1955, twelve-year-old Gladys Maarohanye was herding cattle near the small village of Ngome in rural KwaZulu-Natal when the Virgin Mary appeared to her as a beautiful African woman dressed in blue and white. Over the following months, Mary appeared multiple times to the young Zulu girl, identifying herself as the "Tabernacle of the Most High" and requesting that a church be built on the site. Today, the Shrine of Our Lady of Ngome draws thousands of pilgrims annually to this remote hillside in the Zululand valleys, making it one of the most significant Marian devotion sites in Southern Africa.
The Ngome apparitions represent one of the most important claimed Marian apparitions in Africa, occurring during the height of apartheid when racial tensions in South Africa were at their peak. The Virgin's appearance to a young Zulu girl, with messages of unity and peace, resonated deeply with the oppressed black population. While not yet officially approved by the Catholic Church, the devotion has flourished under ecclesiastical supervision, creating a unique pilgrimage destination where African spirituality and Catholic faith converge.
📜 History & Spiritual Significance
The apparitions at Ngome began on August 22, 1955, when twelve-year-old Gladys Maarohanye encountered the Virgin Mary while tending cattle near her village. The Virgin appeared as a beautiful African woman, speaking to Gladys in Zulu and identifying herself as "UmaTabernakeli waseMhlaneni" (Tabernacle of the Most High).
Over subsequent months, Mary appeared to Gladys multiple times, delivering messages emphasizing prayer, penance, and conversion. The Virgin requested the construction of a church on the apparition site and taught Gladys special prayers. She also revealed that the site would become a place of healing and grace for all who came with faith.
News of the apparitions spread rapidly throughout KwaZulu-Natal, and pilgrims began visiting the remote site. In 1956, Bishop Charles Garner of the Vicariate of Eshowe initiated an official investigation. While the Church has not yet issued a final pronouncement on the supernatural character of the apparitions, the devotion has been allowed to continue under ecclesiastical guidance.
The shrine was formally established in 1962, and a beautiful church was constructed on the apparition site. The devotion has grown steadily, with annual pilgrimages drawing thousands of faithful from across Southern Africa. The site is particularly noted for reports of miraculous healings and spiritual conversions.
☩ Pilgrimage Sites in KwaZulu-Natal
Shrine of Our Lady of Ngome
Principal Marian pilgrimage site in Southern Africa
The modern shrine church, built on the exact site of the 1955 apparitions, houses a statue of Our Lady of Ngome depicted as an African woman. The church features beautiful stained glass windows and African-inspired artwork. The shrine complex includes accommodation facilities for pilgrims and a museum documenting the apparitions.
Apparition Site
A marked location near the shrine indicates the exact spot where the Virgin Mary appeared to young Gladys Maarohanye in 1955.
Stations of the Cross
A hillside path with Stations of the Cross provides pilgrims with opportunities for prayer and meditation in the beautiful Zululand countryside.
Holy Water Spring
A natural spring on the shrine grounds is believed by many pilgrims to have healing properties and is a popular site for prayer and devotion.
Pilgrims' Accommodation
The shrine complex includes simple accommodation facilities for overnight pilgrims, reflecting the site's commitment to welcoming visitors from across Southern Africa.
🕯️ Annual Feast Days & Celebrations
Feast of Our Lady of Ngome — August 22
The principal celebration marking the anniversary of the first apparition draws thousands of pilgrims for outdoor Mass, processions, and special devotions.
Assumption of Mary — August 15
Major Marian celebration featuring traditional Zulu cultural elements alongside Catholic liturgy.
Monthly Pilgrimage Days — First Saturday
Regular monthly pilgrimages throughout the year maintain the site's spiritual vitality and provide ongoing opportunities for devotion.
🛏️ Where to Stay
Shrine Accommodation — Basic pilgrim lodging available at the shrine itself. Contact shrine office for reservations.
Hotels in Eshowe (50 km) — Regional town with various accommodation options.
Hotels in Durban (200 km southeast) — Major city with full range of hotels and guesthouses.
🚗 Getting There
By Air: King Shaka International Airport (DUR) near Durban is 200 km southeast.
By Car: From Durban, take the N2 north to Stanger, then R66 west to Eshowe, then local roads to Ngome (approximately 3 hours). Roads to the shrine are rural but accessible.
By Bus: Limited public transport; organized pilgrimage buses operate from major cities during feast days.
📚 Further Reading
Books:
Michael Brown, The Ngome Apparitions — Documentation of the South African Marian apparitions.
Denis Hurley, Faith and Morals in South Africa — Context of Catholic life during apartheid era.
🔗 Useful Links
Ngome Shrine — Official shrine information.
Diocese of Eshowe — Local church resources.
South Africa Tourism — Travel information and practical guidance.
🧭 Nearby Pilgrimage Destinations
Eshowe (50 km) — Cathedral town with historic Catholic presence.
Durban (200 km southeast) — Emmanuel Cathedral and multicultural Catholic communities.
Mariannhill (180 km southeast) — Historic Trappist monastery and mission.
🪶 Closing Reflection
"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit." — Matthew 28:19 (NABRE)