MICHAEL Paschal Rowland OFM became Bishop of Dundee, in Natal, South Africa, accepting responsibility for a Diocese of 56,000 sq klms, (the size of Ireland), in 1983, after working for nearly 30 years on the Missions.
During this time he designed and built many churches, schools, clinics, an old peoples' home whatever has been needed, but his most important project is now just being completed.
St Anthony's Settlement for Orphaned and Abandoned Children at Blauuwbosch Mission, will house an ever increasing number of children brought to him for care and protection. Children who, in one way or another, have been the victims of apartheid; with parents being detained, disappearing or dying in the BROTHER Matthew O'Hara, OFM, who died on November 9th, was born in Innismagrath, in Ireland on February 20th 1912 and entered the Order of Friars Minor on January 16th 1941. He made Solemn Profession of vows on January 17th 1945. Matthew served in many friaries including Manchester, East Bergholt, Bristol, Liverpool and Woodford Green, where he died.
He had a brother, James, in the Order, who died in 1980, and his sister, Mary, is a Franciscan Missionary of Mary at Canning Town. violence and unrest in the townships or as a result of the migratory system or the formerly "illegal" liaisons between black and white.
Blauuwbosch is adjacent to two large townships, has primary and secondary schools on the Mission and further education within a few kilometres. There have, of course, been many problems, not least the death of the contractor in a road accident earlier this year. The subsequent delays have escalated costs and Bishop Rowland, who is building in faith and trust, faces a bill of £350,000 with few sources of local finance. Meanwhile the problem grows.
Bishop Rowland's family in this country are trying to help with the project and anyone who would like to donate to help these children is asked to write to: Mrs Valerie Belton, Carraigbaun, Hatch Close, Kirtlington, Oxfordshire OX5 3JT.
*IF YOU have been following, every other week, the articles by Catholic historians Stephen and Elizabeth Usherwood, on the story of the 85 Martyrs of England and Wales, beatified on November 22, you can read about them all again, in book form, in We die for the old religion, by Stephen and Elizabeth Usherwood, published by Sheed and Ward Ltd, 2, Creechurch Lane, London EC3, Price £4.95.
The foreword is by Bishop Cormac Murphy-O'Connor of Arundel & Brighton.