Riemvasmaak

Riemvasmaak, on the outskirts of the Diocese, could have been appropriately renamed Odilon’s Hope in Memory of Father Odilon Fages, who was responsible for the foundation of this Damara Reserve. Since 1947, Father Veillet, inspired by his deep faith and spirit of sacrifice, and assisted by Brother Gert Smith and two Oblate Sisters, worked fearlessly among these primitive peoples to bring them civilization and good Tidings of the Gospel. Father Robert Hindley faithfully followed in the steps of his predecessors and Riemvasmaak became the flourishing Mission that Father Fages had so ardently desired

Meanwhile the menace of Group Areas threatened. Would Odilon’s Hope be shattered? Unfortunately the Group Areas Act made its influence felt and in 1974 the inhabitants of Riemvasmaak had to evacuate the place. After many years they were, however, permitted
to return and the great task of rebuilding the mission station has started. Today Frs. Bientz, Donkers, Eckersdorf and Van Wegen serve this station in turns. Odilon’s Hope has not been crushed.

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