The land designated for the Mission station, Maria Linden, was granted by the local chief in 1896. Building commenced immediately, which included a school, and was completed in 1897.
The church, in the inimitable style of the early Trappist stations has a lovely façade. It is situated on the road from Matatiele to Mariazell and was initially an outstation of Mariazell.
This Mission is once again named after a famous Marian Shrine in Europe near the village of Otterweiler.
Maria Linden has a history that dates back to the time of Christianisation around the year 700AD. Early records show that in 1484 a church was built in an open field, near a well and a linden grove, where for many centuries an ancient image of Mary had been venerated.
There is a legend that surrounds the emergence of this place of pilgrimage. It tells of a miraculous rediscovery of the Image of Grace in the hollow of a linden tree, which came to light again after periods of war and destruction. Many people came, according to the legend, to see the miracle and to pray there.
Maria, “by the seven linden trees,” as an old name referred to her, proved to be a special advocate for all help and consolation seekers.
