Lesotho Holy Cross Sisters Celebrate Golden and Diamond Jubilees
Lesotho Holy Cross Sisters Celebrate Golden and Diamond Jubilees
Article and pics by Bokang Tsoanamatsie – The congregation of the Sisters of the Holy Cross from the Menzingen Province of Lesotho commemorated the golden and diamond jubilees of religious life for several sisters on December 2, at Good Shepherd Parish, in the Diocese of Mohale’s Hoek.
This significant event was graced by the presence of Oblate of Mary Immaculate (OMI) priests, including the Provincial, Fr Sydney Boatile OMI, as well as diocesan priests and representatives from various religious orders of the Catholic Church in Lesotho.
Members of the Anglican Church in Lesotho, who reside near the Holy Cross St Francis House in Maseru, were also present. The Mass celebration was officiated by Fr Paul Matlosa OMI, the Deputy-Provincial of the Oblates. He was supported by Deacon Gregory Khoabane Lelimo CSS, of the Stigmatine Fathers parish in Bethel. Sr Juliana Manele celebrated her golden anniversary and Sr Gemma Luka, Sr Irene Matsoso, Sr Prisca Pomela and Sr Cornelia Makututsa, their diamond anniversaries.
Several speakers addressed the celebrants during the event. Holy Cross Sisters Mother-Superior Sr Clementine Tebateba expressed her gratitude to the attendees and reassured them that they are in the capable care of the Sisters of Holy Cross. On behalf of the religious orders in Lesotho, Fr Sydney Boatile OMI, Provincial of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate (OMI), encouraged the sisters to be grateful to the Lord, regardless of their health or strength, emphasising the importance of remaining thankful and entrusting their suffering to Him.
Fr Paul Matlosa, representing the bishop of the Diocese of Mohale’s Hoek, congratulated the celebrants on their well-navigated journey in religious life. Fr Moloi, the parish priest at Fatima church, on behalf of the parents of the celebrants, urged the Holy Cross Sisters to uphold their commendable religious life.
The Congregation of Sisters of the Holy Cross of Menzingen was founded in Switzerland, specifically in the village of Menzingen, on October 16, 1844, by Fr Theodosius Florentini, a Franciscan Capuchin Friar (OFM), alongside Mother Bernarda Heimgartner. In 1908, the congregation expanded its reach to Lesotho, establishing itself at St Gabriel Parish in Ha Malephane, within the Diocese of Qacha’s Nek. In Lesotho, the congregation manages the St Elizabeth Training Institute, which provides some of the highest diploma qualifications available in the country.
Its missions primarily serve the Diocese of Mohale’s Hoek and Qacha’s Nek. Additionally, the congregation maintains a residence in the Archdiocese of Maseru known as St Francis House. The motto of the Sisters of the Holy Cross is “In the Cross is Salvation” (In Cruce Salus).
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