Nazareth House, Cape Town, South Africa

[cornishpasty]

Hello everyone,

Me message is two-fold. 

1.  I am writing a book about my experiences in Nazareth House, Cape Town and would like to speak to any "old" girls or boys who were there during the 1940's and 1950's.  I would also like to hear from any of their children too.

2.  I am trying to find out the history behind this place, i.e. whether it was built from scratch as an Orphanage/Children's Home or whether it was a former prison (as someone has told me).  I cannot find any history apart from some snippets about the nuns that came over from Ireland to "start" the place.  It's hard work trying to get anything about Catholic Convents especially in South Africa.

So, if anyone can throw some light on the second aspect above, I would be truly grateful.

By the way, I have already found the daughter of my best friend who was with me at Naz. House, right here in Rootschat .  What a terrific place this is.  Let's hope I can find lots more.  Cross fingers .............

Hugs
CP 

[animet]

I know it's not going to further your query, but I wanted to mention it anyway.

In the early 80's I attended Saint Mary's convent in Cape Town and there were a few girls there who lived at Nazareth house.

Also part of it was a nursing home and my grandmother stayed there in the late 80's until her death.

Anita

[cornishpasty]

Hello Animet,

St Mary's was the Dominican Convent where most of the older Nazareth House girls finished their schooling.   I'm sure you had a good education if you went there.  Are you still living in South Africa?

Thanks for your reply !!

Take care,
Regards
CP

[rooneyj96]

Hi CP

I know it's been 18 years since you first posted this, but I'm hoping your email may still be active - my grandmother may have been in this orphanage at the same time as you. Did you ever know a Jean Ursula Johnson?

Thank you
Rooney

[BillyF]

Hi, welcome to Rootschat.

I think you have to make 3 posts before you can make an email message.

The original poster hasn`t been active on Roorschat since 2021, so it`s possible you may not get a reply.

I can`t find a book about the Capetown Nazareth House, but there is this

https://nazarethcare.co.za/about/

Good luck