St Luke's Chapel

The chapel and building was built by the Nazareth Sisters as a home for orphans and frail elderly people. The part of the building that houses the chapel was an addition in 1904. 

Mass Times

St Luke’s Chapel belongs to the parish of St Augustine’s Cathedral and does not have a resident priest on-site. Holy Mass is celebrated in the Chapel every Sunday at 9 am by the community from Nazareth House with their Chaplain.  Guests of the Retreat Centre are invited to celebrate Holy Mass with us. Outside visitors may join Holy Mass at the Retreat Centre but need to enter via the Nazareth House entrance in Upper Dickens Road. The Main Gate of the Retreat Centre at 10 Park Lane is closed on weekends. For Mass Times on Easter and Christmas please check with management of the Retreat Centre. 

History

The Main Chapel now known as “St Luke’s Chapel” was built in 1904 as part of Nazareth House which was built by the Congregation of the Poor Sisters of Nazareth which are devoted to the care of the aged, the orphaned and children in need. For over 100 years it was home to hundreds of orphans and elderly that were cared for the by Nazareth sisters. In the black and white picture below the Chapel can be seen with the original High altar and altar rails. 

After the Second Vatican Council in the 1960s, changes included a free standing altar, the removal of the altar rails and the installation of an ambo. The tabernacle was no longer part of the altar but was kept in the same place. 

The Chapel today

After the passing of Fr Ou in 2019, the altar and altarpiece of the Port Elizabeth Chinese Catholic Association was given to the Diocese of Port Elizabeth. The vestry and one guest room were demolished to create a space at the back of the Main Chapel for the new “Chinese Chapel”. The former main entrance of the Main chapel was closed and the altarpiece placed again the inside. The Main Chapel is since accessible through the side entrance only. For more info on the History of the “Chinese Chapel” read here. 

New lighting was installed in 2024. 

The Chapels at night

Have you ever wanted to spend time at night praying in a Church?

Our Chapel is open at all times for prayer and reflection. It is a special place at night to be alone in with the Lord and ambient lighting ensures that our guests can find their way. 

Many people have discovered their vocation to religious life while spending extended time in silence before our Lord. 

Weddings

St Luke’s  chapel is available for weddings and funerals. We offer packages for weddings that include accommodation, the use of the chapel, catering and the use of the Main Hall for the wedding reception and dance floor. The picturesque building and garden invite for the wedding photos to be taken here as well. Catering from our own kitchen is also part of the package. For more information visit our webpage with details on Weddings here

Funerals

The chapel is also available for funerals and our conference venues can be used for the reception afterwards. Catering for the reception from our own kitchen is also available. 

Our Garden of Remembrance allows for ashes to be deposited. Contact our Retreat Centre management for more information here.