A tribute to all those who serve in this Parish then and now.Early in 1958, Mrs Helene Connolly visited the English Medium Primary School with a view to finding out how many Catholics were registered there. In this way, she was able to make contact with all those families who then formed the nucleus for the start of the Catholic Church in Kempton Park.The very first Holy Mass was celebrated in the staff room of the English Medium Primary School. Kempton Park was assisted by Germiston Parish, and each Sunday a priest would celebrate the Eucharist together with this small Body of Christ.
The Parish
Our thanks are given to Fathers Daverin, Fitzsimons, Brennan, Fidgeon, Clark and Peron for serving us so faithfully in those early days.Very quickly the staff room became too small, the numbers increased and we moved into the School Hall.Jimmy and Helene scouted around for vacant land and in 1967 found the ground which would become the home of our present parish. Mr Friedman sold the ground to the Bishop. The first Parish Priest, Fr Victor Kotze, was appointed and Our Lady of Loreto Parish was slowly but surely established.The church benches were lovingly made by as many of the parishioners as were able to give of their time and talent under the guidance of Jimmy Connolly.The naming of the Parish”Our Lady of Loreto”In the 1920s Our Lady of Loreto was named Patroness of Pilots and all who work in the Airways, therefore, when the decision was made to build a Church in Kempton Park, Bishop Hugh Boyle considered it appropriate to dedicate it to Our Lady of Loreto, since the Parish would largely serve the people working at the Jan Smuts Airport and in the supporting industries. Jan Smuts Airport was renamed Johannesburg Airport and then later again the Oliver Tambo Airport.
The design of the Church
One can meditate for some time on the use of design in this church. Baptism launches us into the spiritual life: the Word of God announced from the lectern guides us in our flight to perfection as the tail fins of a plane keep it steady on course. The great thrust into perfection in unity with Christ is found in the Eucharist, the Blessed Sacrament of the Altar. Our religion is not a flight of fancy, it is a journey into the reality of being united with God.
The Church was blessed and opened on the feast of Our Lady of Loreto, 10th December 1967 by the Rt. Rev. Bishop Hugh Boyle.
Garden of Remembrance
Within the parish grounds there is a beautiful Garden of Remembrance. Apart from a special place for quiet reflection and meditation, it is especially dedicated to our dearly departed relatives and friends. In their loving memory, a plaque may be placed on the wall.
We ask Our Lord to give them everlasting peace.
Priests who have served the parish.
We, parishioners, extend our deepest gratitude to the wonderful priests who have served Our Lady of Loreto parish so faithfully. You are always in our prayers and may Our Lady of Loreto protect, guide and intercede for you always and bring you safely home to the loving embrace of Jesus and Mary.
God bless you.
- Father Victor Kotze
- Father Don Kelly
- Father Joe Lloyd
- Father Lionel Sham
- Father Brian van Ziel
- Father Anthony DSouza OCD
- Father Joe Matsau (OMI)
- Father Mari-Joseph OCD
- Father Peter Rebello OCD
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Dc Neelan Reddy
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Dc Christopher Perumal
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Dc Denzil Pillay
Current Priest
Father Boniface D’Souza OCD
The Silver Jubilee celebrations
The Silver Jubilee of the parish was celebrated with great joy and thankfulness on 6th February 1992 under the direction and care of Father Lionel Sham.