Our Lady Flight Into Egypt ~ Mary is honoured as the Chief Patron of our Diocese of Port Elizabeth. In accordance with the official liturgical Pastoral Guide it is therefore elevated to a solemnity (big feast) for the local church and celebrated on the Sunday that occurs on 4th February or between the 4th and 10th February each year.

mARIAN VILLA – PROTECTING THE UNBORn


Marian Villa, a home for women in a pregnancy crisis situation who have decided against abortion, was opened under the Bishop’s ‘Right to Live’ programme in May 1999 by Bishop Michael Coleman.

The home is under the management of the Catholic Order of the Knights of Da Gama. Two permanent staff are employed as House Mothers to ensure that the ethos of a Catholic home is maintained and which will give the lady residents the love and peace necessary to restore their dignity and pride and give them the base for a renewed life. To date over 100 babies have been saved, so the main objective, namely the protection of the unborn, is being achieved. What is also important is the reconciliation aspect where many of the ladies have come to terms with their parents / boyfriends and in many cases have returned home before the birth of their child.

There is a financial implication to the home. Currently funds are mainly being provided by events organized by some of the Clergy in the Port Elizabeth diocese and the Knights of Da Gama, with generous support from the CWL, private individuals and religious orders. Continuous prayers are also being offered by these organizations and people which have been most important to the success of the Home.

If you wish to help with donations in cash or kind, please contact
Mr. Frank Wightman, Diocesan Chancery,
Tel. 041-3732803,
or P. O. Box 12194, Centrahil 6006, Port Elizabeth, South Africa.
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