Lesotho Sodalities Celebrate Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception

By Bokang Tsoanamere – The weekend of December 8, 2024, proved to be a bustling time for the Archdiocese of Maseru, Lesotho, as the altar server sodalities and the Immaculate Conception of Mary embarked on pilgrimages for a weekend retreat at St Anne of Auray Parish and Bethany Parish, respectively.

The Immaculate Conception Sodality commemorated the solemnity of the Immaculate Conception on December 8th, a significant occasion marked by their tradition of conducting a retreat to honour this important feast.

Additionally, three other dioceses organised their own retreats for both altar servers and the Immaculate Conception Sodality.

The altar servers of the Archdiocese of Maseru, referred to as the “brothers of St Stephen”, commenced their retreat at St Anne of Auray from December 5th to 8th, 2024. The retreat was led by Fr Emmanuel Lebese Mokhofu OMI, who was supported in his teachings by Fr Mathibeli OMI from Mount Matre Parish, Fr Sechaba Potiane, the Parish Priest of Auray Parish, as well as Fr Lithebe Tjokosela, the spiritual director of the altar servers in the Archdiocese of Maseru, and Sr Mosakeng from the Sisters of the Good Shepherd.

The retreat officially began with the Holy Mass on Thursday. In the subsequent days, activities included the recitation of the Holy Rosary and adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. Additionally, the Lesotho Mounted Police Service engaged in a discussion with the group of servers, comprised of youth, focusing on ways they can collaborate to address the crime issues affecting the mountainous Kingdom of Lesotho.

Dr Mpho Augustine Khoabane, an altar server from Mofumahali oa Lefatse, addressed the importance of maintaining good health and caring for God’s creation within their bodies. He noted that men often fail to take the initiative to consult healthcare practitioners, even when they are unwell. A significant concern he raised was that many men resort to taking unapproved ‘supplements’ that can be detrimental to their health.

He urged the altar servers to prioritise regular check-ups, emphasising that early detection and treatment of health issues are crucial, as waiting until a disease reaches a critical stage can jeopardise their lives.

Fr Mokhofu OMI, the retreat master, delivered a discourse on the topic of leadership. He emphasised that by serving as an altar server, one inherently assumes a leadership role through the support provided to the priest during the celebration of the Holy Mass. He urged that the qualities of leadership should be evident in all aspects of an altar server’s presence. Furthermore, he reminded them of their commitment to serve consistently, with reverence and comprehension, for the glory of God and for their own salvation.

The Archdiocese of Maseru engaged in a dialogue concerning the Catholic faith, particularly focusing on the church’s teachings that appear to be challenged by individuals from other religious backgrounds. The discussion emphasised strategies for addressing these challenges in a calm and composed manner. Such topics are beneficial for Catholics, as they foster a deeper comprehension of their faith and encourage them to practice it with clarity and conviction.

The Sodality of Altar Servers was established in 1904 by Father Hamilton McDonald of the Sacred Heart Convent in London, originally as a guild dedicated to St. Stephen. Its purpose was to engage men and boys of the Catholic faith in serving and assisting during Holy Mass. In 1905, Pope Pius X granted his approval for the canonical establishment of the Guild at Westminster Cathedral. Subsequently, in 1906, the Sacred Congregation of Rites elevated the Guild to the status of Archconfraternity prima primaria, thereby connecting all parish branches to it. The Oblates of Mary Immaculate Priest later introduced the sodality in Lesotho, exclusively welcoming Catholic men and boys. Each year, they commemorate their Patron Saint on December 26th, and their motto is: “Glory be to Christ through St Stephen. One who serves will reign.”