Keimoes

In 1909 Great Namaqualand was established as an independent Prefecture, and a large territory of Bechuanaland (Botswana) was added to Orange River Vicariate. Keimoes with its green lands on the banks of the Orange River attracted the enthusiastic Father Fages when he accompanied Bishop Simon on a tour through the Vicariate.

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Three morgen of unculvitated ground had already been brought in 1909. At the same time the State has offered the Bis five hectares of waste land in Upington. On 16th January, 1911, Father Fages and Brother Henry set out for Keimoes and Father Sollier for Upington.
Bishop Simon and the whole Mission staff accompanied them on their way out of Pella, then to bid a sad farewell. In the evening, as a great hush rested over the veld and koppies, their hearts cried out: For how long? When shall we meet again? Then suddenly Father Fages entoned the Mgnificat. As Mary’s hymn of praise rang through the stillness of the night, sadness was changed into joy. Cheerfully they parted and the wagons moved on, leaving ever wider stretches of wilderness between them.

The youthful founder, as yet inexperienced in the art of travelling in the desert, wandered off through endless tracks of sand, their canvas water bags drained to the last drop. Providence was watching over them. After two days they came upon a lonesome shepherd who led them to a spring and put them on the right road to Keimoes where they arrived Fr. Boude osfs Bishop Simon osfs after eleven days of trail and hardship.

At Keimoes it was hardly a consolation to find only ten catholics out of a population of about 3000 people. Dauntless, the founders set to work. Those who today see the crowds pouring into churches on Sundays and feastdays, for “Groot Kerk” as they call it, realize that the missionaries’ work has been abuntly blessed. God loves the cheerful giver. Who does not recall the hearty laugh of Father Fages, the happy disposition of Sister Clare-Agnes in the midst of the most trying times? Keimoes where they have the training house for the Oblate candidates it is the place where the Bishop has his residence.

History of the Mission-station
On 7 July 1909 by the decreet of Vatican in Rome the Apostolic Vicariaat of the Orange River was divided into two sections. The one north of the Orange River was named Prefecture of The Great Namakwaland and the one south of the Orange River stayed Vicariaat Of Orange River. Places like Kenhart, Fraserburg Van Rhynsdorp and Gordonia became part of it. Bishop Simon visited Gordonia in November 1909. In Keimoes he met about 30 Catholics which ask for a priest. On 6 December1909 Bishop bought land from Mr. Kieper for 220 pounds.Bishop Simon and Rev. Fages again visited the Orange River on 26 September 1910. Here Father Fages said that he was willing to be the first priest for Keimoes, which was accepted. He stayed in Nababeep till 26 December 1910. Rev.Fages and Brother Henry arrived safely in Keimoes.

At that time there were between 30 – 40 Catholics in the area. Brother Henry would cultivate the land while Father Fages would see to the welfare of the people.Father did his missionary work in the area on horseback. On 14 October 1912 Bishop Simon send Nuns to Keimoes. They started two schools.Sr.Louis Alexander had a school going for the Europeans while Sr. Clara Agnes saw to the Colourds. The congregation grew and on Christmas 1913 there were 75 adults in the Mass.
In 1914 the new Church was inaugurated .It was also desided that the Church would be used as a second classroom as the number of the children also grew. Father Fages had to take longer rides on his horse because the distances also expanded. The priest also went to places like Kakamas, Marchand and Noudonsies. Farming under Brother Henry also expanded and in 1915 a mill was build in Keimoes. With the money earned the mission could cover their expenses. During this time Father Fages helped the Damaras to get their money as it was paid by cheque. They became friends and later devoted catholics. A school was build in Riemvasmaak in 1930. Later there was about 200 catholics in 1947 Riemvasmaak became a mission on the own with their own priest Father Veillet. From here new mission were founded.