A Catholic Reflection on Two Hundred Years of Lesotho
By Bokang Tsoanamatsie – Lesotho is celebrating its 200th anniversary as a nation established by the renowned King Moshoeshoe.
Historical accounts indicate that King Moshoeshoe provided sanctuary to various clans seeking refuge from the numerous conflicts of that era, which left many smaller clans destitute and starving. Powerful and aggressive nations would devastate their lands, seize their women and children for enslavement, and kill the elderly.
It is alleged King Moshoeshoe was hungry for peace and had tried all means to broker it with powerful nations like the Zulus, the Amandebele and others who attacked him. We are told because he had the famous plateau which he used as his fort he was able to defeat his attackers and would follow up with a gift of cattle as a peace offering.
He would even call himself their servant, willing to serve and please them as his masters. These virtues that Moshoeshoe portrayed invited smaller clans to seek refuge with him and chose him as their leader and chief. That’s how he built the Basotho nation and taught them very intelligent and wise sayings: such as “Peace is my sister.”
It is claimed that he ‘married’ the initial missionaries with cattle in an effort to assist him in restoring peace. Although Moshoeshoe was never baptised, he exhibited the characteristics of one who followed Christ. The virtues I have highlighted above reflect the fundamental commandment of love. Those who truly love do not wait to be served; rather, they serve others. Those who love are willing to sacrifice their own happiness for the sake of others and practice forgiveness.
In 1862, King Moshoeshoe extended a warm welcome to the Catholic Church with the arrival of missionaries Bishop Jean-Francois Allard, Father Joseph Gerard, and Brother Bernard.
The Catholic Church appeared to resonate with a significant portion of the Basotho population.
To this day, it remains the predominant religious institution in Lesotho. Its principles and doctrines seemed to align closely with Moshoeshoe’s beliefs; however, he refrained from being baptised.
Historical accounts indicate that he was present during the consecration of the first Catholic church at Roma Ha MaJesu, where he urged the chiefs under his authority to ensure the church’s protection, declaring that any attack on it would result in severe consequences.
It is claimed that Moshoeshoe refrained from baptism due to concerns that it might create divisions among his people, as some had already aligned themselves with the Evangelical church.
Over the course of 200 years, the Church in Lesotho played a significant role in assisting the Basotho in establishing schools to facilitate literacy. Additionally, health centres were constructed to address the health needs of the Basotho, and numerous Catholic churches were established throughout the country. The Basotho welcomed these institutions, and the contemporary governments recognised the valuable contributions of the Catholic Church.
It is believed that the government-operated Radio Lesotho was initially established as a Catholic radio station in collaboration with what was then known as Pius XII College, now the National University of Lesotho.
The inception of Lesotho Television occurred during the visit of St Pope John Paul II to Lesotho in 1988, coinciding with the beautification of Blessed Joseph Gerard II.
Throughout the 200-year journey undertaken by the Basotho nation, the Catholic Church proudly recognises Eulalia Malebaka ‘MaGabriel’ Mokhosi, a servant of God and a Mosotho woman, who is noted for her remarkable act of crossing the tumultuous Senqu River to attend a Holy Mass at St Gabriel in Quthing.
This bicentennial period also marks the establishment of the Lesotho Catholic Bishops Conference. During these 200 years, the Catholic Church has maintained a greater number of schools and health centres than any other organisation. Additionally, it is noteworthy that descendants of King Moshoeshoe embraced Catholicism during this time.
We must also remember that the late Queen Mother Mamohato Tabitha Seeiso was a member of the St. Anne Sodality, passing away on September 6, 2003, during a St. Anne Retreat at Auray Mission in Mantsonyane. Her successor, the current Queen, is likewise a member of the St. Anne Sodality.
The church in Lesotho has undertaken a significant initiative that is acknowledged by many; however, the Basotho nation is grappling with severe welfare issues, including homicides, hunger, poverty, instability, and vulnerability. It is understood that the seven principles of Catholic Social Teaching are designed to promote unity and selfless love for all individuals.
What actions should the Church in Lesotho undertake to revive the foundational principles imparted by Moshoeshoe, the nation’s founder, and the early missionaries? Are we currently experiencing a Jubilee celebration or are we in a state of lamentation? Can the Church today reflect on the significant achievements of the historical Church in Lesotho? In what ways can we incorporate Christ into our lives today and effectively convey His love for humanity to others? Are we on the correct path, or should we return to the fundamentals and seek God’s presence? Is our practice of Christianity genuinely leading us to God, or has it become merely a routine?
May God bless Basotho and the nation of Lesotho.
Bokang Tsoanamatsie is a member of the St Joseph sodality at the Maria Mabasotho Oblate Pastoral Centre in Maseru, Lesotho. He is also an ambassador of the Eucharistic Miracle exhibitions in Lesotho. He is also an organiser of pilgrimages and a retreat coordinator in the Archdiocese of Maseru, in Lesotho.
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