by Natalie E. Rowles, Pinetown, KZN
Mariannhill Monastery Church
Francis Pfanner was the Founder of the Mariannhill Monastery. He came originally from Mariastern Monastery in Bosnia.
In 1882, on Boxing Day, he bought the farm Zeekoeigat, and formed a congregation with 300 families living around the Monastery.
The children were given elementary schooling, and in the afternoons they were taught agriculture, printing, carpentry, blacksmithing and tailoring. Very soon the Mariannhill Monastery became self supporting.
Francis Pfanner retired ten years later and died at the age of 84. His hard work lives on as this Monastery still provides education, health care and religious guidance to thousands of people in Pinetown, also reaching many people throughout the KZN Province.
The small building which was Francis Pfanner’s bedroom, is still standing separately next to the Museum, holding all his personal belongings.
Abbot St Francis Pfanner’s grave
The monastery is situated at 1 Abbot Francis Road, Mariannhill, Pinetown. Tel 031 700 4288
Opening hours: Monday to Friday from 09h00 to 16h00.
Saturday and Sunday from 10h00 to 15h00.
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