JOHANNESBURG, APOSTOLIC VICARIATE of. — The territory forms part of the Union of South Africa and, by decree of 4 June 1886, was erected into an apostolic prefecture, separating it from the Apostolic Vicariate of Natal. On 16 September 1904 it was elevated to an apostolic vicariate under the title of Transvaal.
By decree of 22 December 1910, the northern zone was separated from the Apostolic Vicariate of Transvaal to form the Apostolic Prefecture of Northern Transvaal, now the nullius abbey of Pietersburg; and by another decree of 12 June 1923, further territory was separated to form the Apostolic Prefecture of Lydenburg, now a vicariate. By decree of 30 March 1930, the districts of Marico and Rustenburg were assigned to the Apostolic Vicariate of Kimberley. By decree of 9 April 1948, Propaganda divided it in order to erect the Apostolic Vicariate of Pretoria, and the remaining territory was given the name of the Apostolic Vicariate of J.
The first Mass was celebrated in 1864 near Potchefstroom, but the priest, who had come from the Orange Free State, was expelled.
Many of the indigenous people work in the mines or enter domestic service, which makes the apostolate among them extremely difficult. The large population concentrations, owing to the gold and diamond mines, create social problems that are not easy to solve.
The territory covers approximately 32,185 sq. km., with a population of 2,024,888, of whom only 700,418 are Europeans. There are 71,304 Catholics and 2,745 catechumens. The others are Protestants or pagans. The mission is entrusted to the Oblates of Mary Immaculate, numbering 88, assisted by 9 other diocesan priests. There are 47 brothers, 640 sisters, 149 catechists, and 337 teachers. Districts 4, quasi-parishes 31, primary stations 25, secondary stations 25, churches 19, chapels 51, hospitals 2, dispensaries 2, orphanages 1. Other charitable works and Catholic Action associations are in full development. The various schools provide education for 24,811 children. Two periodicals are published there, in 4,700 copies.