"THE SMALLEST ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH IN THE WORLD"

GREETINGS FROM SOUTH AFRICA!

MAXMOM here...

Many commuters along the Johannesburg-Durban national highway are familiar with the beautiful scenery surrounding:VAN REENEN'S PASS. Usually, however, folk are desperate to get to their destinations and prefer not to stop to admire their surrounds; choosing instead to take in the vast landscape from the comfort of their moving vehicles. But on that particular day I chose differently...

Let me start this blogpost with an introductory snippet from one of my favourite websites:

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http://www.sa-venues.com/attractionskzn/van-reenen.php

Van Reenen, Drakensberg

Van Reenens Pass, Drakensberg

Van Reenen’s Pass, a sweeping pass renowned for its slippery and precarious roads (particularly as a result of the frequent misty conditions), and some of the most gorgeous views, is the main route through the Drakensberg Mountains connecting Jo-burg and Durban with Van Reenen, a little town perched on the high summit of the Pass, between Harrismithand Ladysmith on the N3.

Van Reenen has a history steeped in the Anglo-Boer War, and a lookout point, called Windy Corner, about 3 kilometres out of town with views over the mountains and lower lying regions - virtually all that there is to the town’s credit, apart from the Llandaff Oratory - a small chapel with only eight seats built by a father in memory of his son, and ostensibly the smallest Roman Catholic church in the world.

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On our recent holiday to Kwazulu Natal, I forced my 'time-conscious' husband to stop the car at the very top of Van Reenen's pass; where the high plateau overlooks the vast blue hue of the Natal midlands.  I simply wanted to explore and to honour a long-time need to visit this well known attraction:

The "Smallest Roman Catholic church in the world"

Hubby obliged, and we turned off the main road.  It took us a only a few seconds to reach our little destination (all of 200m from the main road). I must admit, I asked myself "How small can it possibly be?"  I was in for a surprise. What a perfect little architectural treasure this is!  How absolutely quaint!

"Okay, just relax, I'm getting my camera out." I said to hubby.

The little building is perfectly positioned amongst the lush foliage surrounding it. It si the perfect place to elope (had I not been married).  Under the big tree, to the right of the building is a bird bath on a pedestal.  The fragrance of freshly mowed lawn hangs in the air.The doors of the little church are open - as if beckoning me.


I trotted off to take a peek.

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It was small! Very small!  Only 4 pews; each seating 2 people each - a maximum of 8 guests.  I walked down the short isle and absorbed the airyness of the building, taking in the tranquility and listening to the birds chirping in the outside trees.

I couldn't help but think of the thousands of couples, over the years, who had made their vows at this small altar:

...and I turned around to take it all in...

What an extraordinary little place this is! (I must say that the photos make it look a lot bigger than it really is)  Can you imagine the intimacy and union of a matrimonial moment in this little church? Can you imagine being here, on the edge of the Kwazulu Natal escarpment and confirming your commitment to your loved one. Very romantic.  Very intimate. Can you imagine it snowing here? (Which it apparently often does during the cold winters).

I just had to smile.

Next time you travel through Van Reenen's pass... slow down! 

Take a minute or two and turn off along the little road to visit this extraordinary...

"Smallest church in the world"

I promise you...you too will smile!

Sending lotsaluv

MAXMOM IN SOUTH AFRICA