File 28 - Nelson Mandela’s Visit to St. Mary of the Angels Church, Athlone, Cape Town

Photographic prints showing the visit of Nelson Mandela to the Church of St. Mary of the Angels, Athlone, Cape Town, South Africa, on 12 September 1993. Mandela was accompanied by Allan Boesak. Some of the photographs are annotated on the reverse by the donors: James P. Rigney and Fr. Macartan Hyland OFM Cap. The photographs were printed in 'The Cape Argus' newspaper. The file also includes:
• A description of the circumstances surrounding Mandela’s visit to Athlone Parish Church by Fr. Wilfrid Aherne OFM Cap. (1923-2004).
• An annotated copy of the sermon preached on the occasion by Fr. Wilfrid Aherne OFM Cap. A copy of Mandela’s brief address after communion referring to the support offered by the local congregation during the apartheid era
• The welcome address given by Huxley Joshua, a prominent member of the ANC in the locality.
• Documents (including a copy newspaper cutting from 'The Southern Cross', 26 Sept. 1993) referring to the controversy over Mandela’s taking of communion during the Mass.