Blessed Joseph Gerard pilgrimage in Leribe

Blessed Joseph Gerard pilgrimage

By Bokang Tsoanamatsie – To honour this significant occasion marking the initial arrival of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate Missionaries, the Parish of Maryland, under the leadership of Father Pascalis Pitso OMI and assisted by Father Batere OMI  organises a special pilgrimage each February – the Blessed Joseph Gerard pilgrimage. 

It is reported that in 1862, Bishop Jean-François Allard OMI, Father Joseph Gerard OMI, and Brother Bernard OMI entered Lesotho, crossing the Mohakare River near Leribe Moreneng. Their initial destination was the household of Chief Molapo, located near what is now the Maryland Mission. Chief Molapo and his community graciously welcomed them, allowing them to celebrate the first Holy Mass in Basutoland. This Mass took place beneath a tree that the Parish of Maryland is currently striving to preserve. Allegedly, the Bishop, Father, and Brother informed Chief Molapo of their journey to Chief Moshoeshoe I, who was anticipating their arrival, despite Chief Molapo’s desire for them to settle in his village of Leribe.

This year, the pilgrimage took place at the Blessed Joseph Gerard Chapel, adjacent to the residence of the Principal Chief of Leribe. A special service was held on March 8, which included a Holy Mass followed by the exposition of the Eucharist, with Father Pali Pascalis Pitso OMI serving as the main celebrant. Additionally, a Way of the Cross procession was conducted, culminating in the administration of the sacrament of Penance to the pilgrims.

Father Gabriel Batere OMI recounted the history of how Bishop Allard, Father Gerard, and Brother Bernard arrived in Lesotho. He also shared the story of Blessed Joseph Gerard and his mission in the region, leading up to the Church’s recognition of his Sainthood and the investigations that resulted in his beatification by St. Pope John Paul II in September 1988. Father Batere encouraged the Basotho Christians to seek the intercession of Blessed Gerard, hoping for a miracle that would elevate him to Sainthood. Bishop Allard, Father Joseph Gerard, and Brother Bernard had previously spent over seven years in Natal before arriving in Lesotho in 1862.