Unveiling the Inspiring Legacy of Prior Francis Pfanner. Emaus Heritage Centre in Umzimkulu Diocese, South Africa.
By Sr. Caroline Mjomba CPS Abbot Francis Pfanner statue If no one goes, I will go Prior Francis Pfanner made the terse announcement, “if no one goes, I will go” on 12 September 1879 during the General Chapter of the Trappists in Sept Fons, France. It was at the request of Bishop Ricards of Grahamstown, Eastern Cape, who needed missionaries for Dunbrody in his Vicariate. Prior Francis had no idea that his brave statement would later be instrumental in founding the Mariannhill Monastery in 1882 and the Congregation of the Missionary Sisters of the Precious Blood in 1885. He became the first Abbot of Mariannhill and its many mission stations that he established within a short span of time. One of the stations that Abbot Francis founded was a mission he named Lourdes in East Griqualand in 1888. He and his famous companion and architect, Bro. Nivard Streicher set out to explore and buy a 50,000 acre land that belonged to a certain Donald Strachan. The farm was a block ...