A memorial centre in honour of slain Irish nun Sister Aidan Quinlan, who was killed in 1952 by a mob in Duncan Village, was opened officially yesterday.The Sister Aidan Memorial Centre is located on the grounds of the St Peter’s Claver’s Church in Duncan Village, the same church the nun was heading for to do her missionary work when she was accosted by a mob and killed.
Duncan Village-born historian Zuko Blauw, whose idea it was to establish the centre, said on that fateful day, Sister Aiden had driven into Duncan Village, where there was a confrontation between police and angry youths as part of ongoing anti-apartheid protests in most townships.
She was confronted by a frenzied mob, who stoned her car and brutally murdered her, burning her car with her body inside.
“Sister Aiden’s body was charred beyond recognition.
“All that remained recognisable was part of her hand firmly holding onto a rosary, which for many signified that she had been praying at the time of her death,” said Blauw.
The centre consists of a hall, two classrooms, a boardroom, a small library, and a kitchen.
Blauw said his idea to establish the centre was born a few years ago, when he was walking the streets of Duncan Village and noticed how most of the youth had no direction in life.
“Young people are using drugs and have nothing constructive to do.
“Hopefully they will take full advantage of what the centre will offer them,” said Blauw.
The centre will serve to empower the township’s youth and support elderly people.
“We will cook for the needy, provide mentoring and tutor those in school and also bring programmes that will assist the unemployed,” said Blauw. Welcoming the centre, Sister Aloysia Zellman said: “I hope the community will be uplifted by the centre and will be upheld by the spirit of Sister Aiden, a spirit of respect, giving and care.”
Grade 11 pupil Asemahle Ncayi, 16, was elated that she would finally have a safe and quiet place to study for exams.
“I cannot get much studying done at home but now I am certain I will do more at the centre and hopefully my grades will improve,” Ncayi said.
Community member Vusumzo Nango said it was “amazing” that Sister Aiden’s spirit still lived on to help the needy.
“She was such a caring person, she used to bring clothes for our children and pray for us.
“Even though she died a cruel death at the hands of the same community she prayed for, she still helps them beyond her grave,” said Nango. — arethal@dispatch.co.za
Spirit of nun slain by mob in 50s lives on
The Sister Aidan Memorial Centre is located on the grounds of the St Peter’s Claver’s Church in Duncan Village, the same church the nun was heading for to do her missionary work when she was accosted by a mob and killed.
Duncan Village-born historian Zuko Blauw, whose idea it was to establish the centre, said on that fateful day, Sister Aiden had driven into Duncan Village, where there was a confrontation between police and angry youths as part of ongoing anti-apartheid protests in most townships.
She was confronted by a frenzied mob, who stoned her car and brutally murdered her, burning her car with her body inside.
“Sister Aiden’s body was charred beyond recognition.
“All that remained recognisable was part of her hand firmly holding onto a rosary, which for many signified that she had been praying at the time of her death,” said Blauw.
The centre consists of a hall, two classrooms, a boardroom, a small library, and a kitchen.
Blauw said his idea to establish the centre was born a few years ago, when he was walking the streets of Duncan Village and noticed how most of the youth had no direction in life.
“Young people are using drugs and have nothing constructive to do.
“Hopefully they will take full advantage of what the centre will offer them,” said Blauw.
The centre will serve to empower the township’s youth and support elderly people.
“We will cook for the needy, provide mentoring and tutor those in school and also bring programmes that will assist the unemployed,” said Blauw. Welcoming the centre, Sister Aloysia Zellman said: “I hope the community will be uplifted by the centre and will be upheld by the spirit of Sister Aiden, a spirit of respect, giving and care.”
Grade 11 pupil Asemahle Ncayi, 16, was elated that she would finally have a safe and quiet place to study for exams.
“I cannot get much studying done at home but now I am certain I will do more at the centre and hopefully my grades will improve,” Ncayi said.
Community member Vusumzo Nango said it was “amazing” that Sister Aiden’s spirit still lived on to help the needy.
“She was such a caring person, she used to bring clothes for our children and pray for us.
“Even though she died a cruel death at the hands of the same community she prayed for, she still helps them beyond her grave,” said Nango. — arethal@dispatch.co.za
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