Lesotho Celebrates First Stigmatine Ordination of Fr Gregory Lelimo
By Bokang Tsoanamatsie – The recently ordained Stigmatine priest, Fr Gregory Khoabane Lelimo CSS, conducted his inaugural Holy Mass at his home church in Khubetsoana Bochabela on December 28, 2024. This significant event was held at the Maria Mabasotho Pastoral Oblate Centre.
He was ordained on December 21, 2024, at Bethel parish, in the diocese of Mohale’s Hoek by Bishop John Joale Tlhomola SCP. He holds the distinction of being the first Stigmatine Priest to be ordained in Lesotho. After the Mass held at the centre, he also conducted a Mass at his home in Khubetsoana.
Fr Lelimo’s father, Mr Dominic Mopeli Lelimo, expressed his disappointment at being unable to attend his son’s vow-taking ceremony in Tanzania due to financial constraints. He conveyed his gratitude to the Stigmatine family in Tanzania who provided care for his son throughout his stay in the country.
Mr Lelimo highlighted that Fr Lelimo is the fifth priest in their lineage, following the late Fr Adrian Lelimo, who served in the diocese of Klerksdorp. He concluded his remarks by expressing his appreciation to Fr Benedict Mosiuoa Makhata CSS and Fr Clement Ramotinyane Tampane OMI for their efforts in organising the Thanksgiving Mass and for their ongoing communication throughout the planning process.
The Thanksgiving Mass was graced by the presence of Bishop John Joale Tlhomola SCP of Mohale’s Hoek, Provincial Fr Clement Senekane CSS as well as Stigmatine priests from Botswana and the Free State. Additionally, Oblates of Mary Immaculate priests and diocesan priests from Lesotho were in attendance. Religious sisters from various congregations in Lesotho, particularly those affiliated with Maria Mabasotho, also participated.
Honorable Lebohang William Hlaele, a member of Parliament representing the Phamong area, was present, along with the Congregation of Bethel Parish and the faithful from the Archdiocese of Maseru and the Diocese of Leribe. On December 29th, Fr Lelimo celebrated Holy Mass at the Maria Mabasotho outstation, St Emile. He is scheduled to remain at the Maria Mabasotho Pastoral Centre until the end of January 2025, returning to Bethel Parish on February 1, 2025.
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