Episcopal Ordination of Vitalis Sekhonyana Marole as Bishop of Leribe

Episcopal Ordination of Bishop of Leribe, Vitalis Sekhonyana Marole

By Bokang Tsoanamatsie – Monsignor Vitalis Sekhonyana Marole OMI was ordained as the Bishop of the Diocese of Leribe on May 10.

Fr Marole takes over from Bishop Augustine Bane OMI, who has recently resigned. Prior to this, Fr Marole served as the Parish Priest at Queen of the Most Holy Rosary, Waverly, in the Archdiocese of Pretoria.

The principal consecrator for the ceremony was Archbishop Anthony Dabula Mpako of the Archdiocese of Pretoria, with co-consecrators Archbishop Tlali Gerard Lerotholi of Maseru, and Bishop Emeritus Augustine Bane of Leribe.

The event was attended by several dignitaries, including Archbishop Buti Joseph Tlhagale OMI,  Archbishop Emeritus of Johannesburg, Archbishop Peter Mpambani SCI, of Bloemfontein, and Bishop Masilo John Selemela, Auxiliary Bishop of Pretoria, who delivered an impactful homily following the ordination rites, emphasising that God had specifically chosen Fr Marole for the position.

Other attendees included Bishop Duncan Tsoke of Kimberly, Bishop Jan de Groef of Bethlehem, Bishop Mogapi Robert Mphiwe of Rustenburg, Bishop Valentine Kalumba of Livingstone, Zambia, Bishop Edward Gabriel Risi of Upington, Bishop Vusumuzi Francis Mazibuk, from the vicariate of Ingwamvuma, Bishop Mopeli Joseph Sephamola, President of the Lesotho Catholic Bishops Conference, and Bishop John Joale Tlhomola of Mohale’s Hoek.

The Apostolic Nuncio to Southern Africa was represented by his Secretary, Monsignor Dario Pavisa, who read the appointment letter of Fr Marole from Pope Francis in Latin. Additionally, priests from SACBC, Zambia, Namibia, Botswana, and Lesotho were present, along with members of various religious orders from Southern Africa.

The event was graced by the presence of the King of Lesotho and Queen Masenate Mohato Seeiso, as well as the Prime Minister of Lesotho, Hon Samuel Ntsokoane Matekane, and his deputy Prime Minister, Justice Nthomeng Majara, along with several Members of Parliament. A significant number of laypeople gathered, including the Marole Family and residents from Semonkong.

Christians from the SACBC were seen in various sodality outfits. Notably, a large contingent from St Cecilia Sodality led the event with melodious songs, while the men of Sacred Heart Sodality showcased impressive dances. The attendees appeared to be in high spirits, possibly due to the fact that the last episcopal ordination in the diocese of Leribe took place in 2009. Religious sisters from the diocese of Leribe arranged lunch for the guests.