☰
Regina Mundi Catholic Church
Soweto
Gauteng
1860
- Roman Catholic churches in Soweto, Gauteng
- Roman Catholic churches in Gauteng
- Roman Catholic churches in South Africa
- Roman Catholic churches near me
- All churches in Soweto, Gauteng
Who we are
Regina Mundi is the largest Roman Catholic Church in South Africa. The Latin 'Reginae Mundi'
means "Queen of the World" and refer to the Virgin Mary. The church was built in 1961 and
official opened on the 24th of July 1962 by Johannes Baptista Montini, a cardinal of Milan.
Located in the middle of Soweto, in Rockville, in the neighbourhood of Moroka, from afar you're
greeted by the A-shaped exterior of the building which is quite ordinary in design. Its main
feature is the vast interior that can accommodate as much as 2000-5000 people.
The Church first wrote its name in South Africa's history books during apartheid, when it opened
its doors to anti-apartheid groups and provided shelter to activists. It was during the June 16,
1976 student uprisings, protesting students fled to Regina Mundi from Orlando Stadium to
escape the police's bullets and teargas canisters. The police followed the students into the
church, firing live ammunition and damaging the marble altar and crucifix. Bullet holes are still
visible in the church ceiling and damaged marble stand provide tangible evidence of the violence
of these police raids and the ensuring rush to evacuate the building.
Due to the role it played as a place of gathering for the people of Soweto in the years before,
during, and after the anti-apartheid struggle, it is often referred to as
"the people's church" of "the people's cathedral". From 1995 to 1998,
Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu presided over Truth and
Reconciliation Commission hearings at Regina Mundi.
Later, in 1997, Nelson Mandela established 30 November as
"Regina Mundi Day" to honour the church.
Artworks donated to the Church are displayed within the building and
include stain-glass windows Annunciation, by the Jolanta
Kwasaniewska and unveiled in 1998.
Regina Mundi continues to play an important role in the social life of
Soweto. Weddings, funerals, baptisms of leading personalities and
their families as well as ordinary people take place here.
means "Queen of the World" and refer to the Virgin Mary. The church was built in 1961 and
official opened on the 24th of July 1962 by Johannes Baptista Montini, a cardinal of Milan.
Located in the middle of Soweto, in Rockville, in the neighbourhood of Moroka, from afar you're
greeted by the A-shaped exterior of the building which is quite ordinary in design. Its main
feature is the vast interior that can accommodate as much as 2000-5000 people.
The Church first wrote its name in South Africa's history books during apartheid, when it opened
its doors to anti-apartheid groups and provided shelter to activists. It was during the June 16,
1976 student uprisings, protesting students fled to Regina Mundi from Orlando Stadium to
escape the police's bullets and teargas canisters. The police followed the students into the
church, firing live ammunition and damaging the marble altar and crucifix. Bullet holes are still
visible in the church ceiling and damaged marble stand provide tangible evidence of the violence
of these police raids and the ensuring rush to evacuate the building.
Due to the role it played as a place of gathering for the people of Soweto in the years before,
during, and after the anti-apartheid struggle, it is often referred to as
"the people's church" of "the people's cathedral". From 1995 to 1998,
Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu presided over Truth and
Reconciliation Commission hearings at Regina Mundi.
Later, in 1997, Nelson Mandela established 30 November as
"Regina Mundi Day" to honour the church.
Artworks donated to the Church are displayed within the building and
include stain-glass windows Annunciation, by the Jolanta
Kwasaniewska and unveiled in 1998.
Regina Mundi continues to play an important role in the social life of
Soweto. Weddings, funerals, baptisms of leading personalities and
their families as well as ordinary people take place here.
Church Address
1, 149 Mkhize St
Moroka
Soweto,
Gauteng
1860
Moroka
South Africa
Phone: (27) 072-312-7153 / (27) 61-329-4715
Download Regina Mundi Catholic Church vCard with Mass Times
Church Pastor
Priest
1, 149 Mkhize St
Moroka
Soweto,
Gauteng
1860
Moroka
South Africa
Phone: (27) 011 986 2546
Download Priest Fr Nqobile Mzolo OMI vCard
Quote of the Day
Hebrews 4:12
For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
Denomination
Roman Catholic
Roman Catholic churches in Soweto, Gauteng, South Africa
Roman Catholic churches in Gauteng, South Africa
Roman Catholic churches in South Africa
All churches in Soweto, Gauteng
Affiliations:
Website:
Social Media
Regina Mundi Catholic Church Soweto on YouTube
Leadership
Leader Name:
Fr Nqobile Mzolo OMI
Leader Position:
Priest
Formal Title:
Leader Address:
Tel:
Fax:
Leader Email:
Leader Bio:
Other Church Leaders:
Fr Nqobile Mzolo OMI on Social Media:
Regina Mundi Catholic Church Leadership Photos
Administration
Admin Name:
Mrs. Aloysia Z. Makua
Admin Position:
Secretary
Admin Address:
Telephone:
Fax:
Admin Email:
Mailing Address
P O Box 33
Kliptown, Gauteng
1812
Kliptown, Gauteng
1812
Driving Directions to Regina Mundi Catholic Church
Travel/Directions Tips
Parking
Regina Mundi Catholic Church Soweto Mass Times
Tuesday: 18h00 pm
Wednesday to Friday: 08h00 am
Sunday: 07h00 am & 09h00 am
Confessions:
Every Sunday 08h00 am - 08h45 am or by Appointment
Mass Times last updated on the 26th of February, 2024
Wednesday to Friday: 08h00 am
Sunday: 07h00 am & 09h00 am
Confessions:
Every Sunday 08h00 am - 08h45 am or by Appointment
Mass Times last updated on the 26th of February, 2024
Worship Languages
Dress code:
Children and Youth Activities
Under 12s:
Under 18s:
Local outreach & community activities:
Other activities & ministries
Special Needs/Accessibility:
Prayers and hymns:
Main Bible:
Hymns and Songs:
Other information:
Average Adult Congregation:
Average Youth Congregation:
Additional Info:
Regina Mundi Catholic Church Photo Gallery
Regina Mundi Catholic Church History
Regina Mundi Catholic Church is located in the Township of Soweto, in the Suburb of Moroka. The Church forms part of the rich History of Soweto and is the largest Catholic Church in South Africa – able to seat 2 000 people, with standing room for 5 000. The Church played a major role in the struggle for Freedom and is one of the Historic Tourist Attractions in South Africa.
Regina Mundi is Latin for “Queen of the World” and is in reference to the Virgin Mary. The official opening of the Church, on the July 24 1962, was presided over by Johannes Baptista Montini, the Cardinal of Milan.
During the Apartheid era the Regina Mundi Church opened its doors to Anti-Apartheid groups and provided shelter to Anti-Apartheid activists. Because of the refuge it offered Regina Mundi is often referred to as ‘the people’s Church’ or ‘the people’s Cathedral’.
During the 1976 student uprisings in Soweto many protesting students fled to Regina Mundi to escape the police bullets and teargas canisters. The police followed the students into the Church, firing live ammunition and damaging the Marble Altar and Crucifix. These bullet holes can still be seen today.
The Church played another important role in the mid 1990s, when Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu presided over the Truth and Reconciliation Commission hearings from 1995 to 1998 which were held in the Regina Mundi Church. In 1997 President Nelson Mandela named 30 November as “Regina Mundi Day” in honour of the Church and the important role it played in the freedom struggle.
Today the Church continues to play a vital role in the Community and welcomes Visitors from across the World. A Popular Tourist Attraction, in Gauteng, the Church has also hosted Prominent International guests such as Michelle Obama and is often the venue for Concerts and Recitals. Numerous artworks have been donated to the Church and are displayed inside the Building while in the grounds is a lovely Garden with Memorial stones donated by Japanese Christians.
From: https://www.sahistory.org.za/place/regina-mundi-catholic-church-soweto
Regina Mundi is Latin for “Queen of the World” and is in reference to the Virgin Mary. The official opening of the Church, on the July 24 1962, was presided over by Johannes Baptista Montini, the Cardinal of Milan.
During the Apartheid era the Regina Mundi Church opened its doors to Anti-Apartheid groups and provided shelter to Anti-Apartheid activists. Because of the refuge it offered Regina Mundi is often referred to as ‘the people’s Church’ or ‘the people’s Cathedral’.
During the 1976 student uprisings in Soweto many protesting students fled to Regina Mundi to escape the police bullets and teargas canisters. The police followed the students into the Church, firing live ammunition and damaging the Marble Altar and Crucifix. These bullet holes can still be seen today.
The Church played another important role in the mid 1990s, when Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu presided over the Truth and Reconciliation Commission hearings from 1995 to 1998 which were held in the Regina Mundi Church. In 1997 President Nelson Mandela named 30 November as “Regina Mundi Day” in honour of the Church and the important role it played in the freedom struggle.
Today the Church continues to play a vital role in the Community and welcomes Visitors from across the World. A Popular Tourist Attraction, in Gauteng, the Church has also hosted Prominent International guests such as Michelle Obama and is often the venue for Concerts and Recitals. Numerous artworks have been donated to the Church and are displayed inside the Building while in the grounds is a lovely Garden with Memorial stones donated by Japanese Christians.
From: https://www.sahistory.org.za/place/regina-mundi-catholic-church-soweto
Regina Mundi Catholic Church Historical Photos
Page administrator:
Contact Email: