Our Lady of Kevelaer

Marian title of Kevelaer (KwaZulu- Natal) (Diocese of Mariannhill)
Recognized by the Church

The parish of Kevelaer, in the diocese of Mariannhill (KwaZulu- Natal), takes its name from the famous German Marian shrine of Kevelaer, in Lower Rhine, and reproduces on African soil that devotion to Our Lady of Kevelaer. Its origin is linked to missionaries from regions where this devotion was deeply rooted. The details of the date of foundation and specific chronology are not recorded in the sources consulted.

Main data

Origin and history

The parish of Kevelaer, in the diocese of Mariannhill (KwaZulu- Natal), takes its name from the famous German Marian shrine of Kevelaer, in Lower Rhine, and reproduces on African soil that devotion to Our Lady of Kevelaer. Its origin is linked to missionaries from regions where this devotion was deeply rooted. The details of the date of foundation and specific chronology are not recorded in the sources consulted.

The image and the sanctuary

It is described as one of the most well-known South African Marian shrines, a goal of annual pilgrimage to which faithful come from various areas of KwaZulu- Natal.

Sponsorship and coronation

Marian parish erected as a place of annual pilgrimage, recognized by the diocese of Mariannhill. No canonical coronation.

Party and devotion

It does not have a date of its own officially fixed in the sources; it is likely, although not documented with certainty, that the pilgrimage will be linked to a major Marian feast. General sources do not describe specific miracles or specific legends.

Link to the Rosary

Heredera de la devoción renana a Nuestra Señora de Kevelaer, «Consoladora de los afligidos», esta parroquia reúne a los peregrinos en torno al Rosario para confiar a María sus penas y recibir su consuelo.