The Brotherhood of Blessed Gérard celebrated the 30th anniversary of Blessed Gérard’s Care Centre and Church on September 6, honouring three decades of faith-driven care for the sick, vulnerable, and impoverished in KwaZulu-Natal. The day brought together members of the Brotherhood of Blessed Gérard and the Sovereign Order of Malta, alongside staff, volunteers, benefactors, and community members.
Solemn Mass and Investiture
The day began with a Solemn Mass of Thanksgiving presided over by His Eminence Wilfrid Fox Cardinal Napier. During the service, four new associate members were formally received into the Brotherhood of Blessed Gerard. Additionally, Dr Douglas Ross, Managing Director of the Care Centre, was invested as a Knight of Magistral Grace of the Sovereign Order of Malta by Grand Hospitaller Major General Dr Josef D. Blotz.
Three Decades of Growth
In his thanksgiving address, founder Father Gérard T. Lagleder recalled the organisation’s evolution from its founding in 1992 to the official opening of the Church and Care Centre in 1996. Over thirty years, the mission has expanded into a comprehensive network providing hospice care, home-based services, HIV/AIDS treatment, emergency disaster relief, early childhood education, and a dedicated Children’s Home.
Recognising Exceptional Dedication
The official anniversary function featured numerous honours for outstanding contribution and long service. Mechthilde Lagleder and Dr Julius Ntshangase received the 2026 President’s Awards, while Gold Medals of Merit were conferred upon Hayne Gerald Clark, Caroline Frances Beaumont, and Cardinal Napier. Major General Dr Blotz also presented high decorations of the Order pro Merito Melitensi to Dr Paul Zakhele Titus Thabethe and Mrs Nokuthula Marigold Thabethe for their decades of leadership and medical service.
Looking Ahead with Hope
The milestone celebration concluded with a festive lunch followed by a music and dance performance by the young residents of Blessed Gérard’s Children’s Home. Reaffirming its core mission, the Brotherhood pledged to continue providing vital medical, social, and residential care to the Mandeni community for years to come.
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