Lesotho Catholic Church Commemorates Blessed Joseph Gerard

Blessed Joseph Gerard Feast Day celebrations

By Bokang Tsoanamatsie, Photos: Thuto Matobo – The Lesotho Catholic Bishops Conference annually commemorates Blessed Joseph Gerard, though this year, the celebration was held from May 31 to June 1, as May 29 fell on a weekday.

The events took place at the historic cave of Maphotong, where Blessed Gerard sought refuge during the 1800s ‘seqiti’ war. A notable historical account recalls a Boer bullet striking only a single page of his breviary during prayer, leaving him unharmed.

Bishop Mopeli Joseph Sephamola OMI presided over Holy Mass, followed by a recitation of the Holy Rosary from Maphotong to Roma Ha MaJesu Parish, led by youth sodalities including the Children of Mary, Christ Crusaders, Altar Servers, and LCYM. Fr Emmanuel Mokhofu OMI delivered a lesson on the proper use and veneration of Holy relics. Fr Mokete Talasi OMI,  Parish Priest at Roma Ha MaJesu, conducted a penitential service, and Fr Andrew Hlompho Hlaha led the adoration process. Bishop John Joale Tlhomola SCP presided over the closing Mass.

Testimonies of Intercession and Growing Attendance

As is customary, testimonies were shared regarding the intercessions of Blessed Joseph Gerard. One remarkable account involved a woman who, after an 11-month coma in Bloemfontein, regained consciousness upon her mother placing a sacramental of Blessed Gerard in her hand. Facing imminent life support disconnection and repatriation to Lesotho to pass away, she spoke her first words upon arrival at a local hospital, “thank you, Fr.” while looking at the sacramental. Though her health later declined again at home, she was completely healed after further prayers for Blessed Gerard’s intercession. The medical affirmation of this healing, along with two other reported miracles, is currently pending.

The event saw pilgrims from Zambia, South Africa, Namibia, and Botswana. Mr Gravel Lephoto, a pilgrim, expressed appreciation for the increased attendance post-COVID-19, with three bishops, 38 priests, and many religious sisters present, filling the church to capacity. He noted the encouraging presence of young people, including children with their own designated area. Mr Lephoto highlighted the careful handling of soil from the grave, following teachings on sacramentals, and the veneration of Blessed Joseph Gerard’s first-class relic. He also praised St. Cecilia Sodality for their well-prepared leadership in hymns and services.

The Legacy of Blessed Joseph Gerard

Blessed Joseph Gerard was a French missionary who arrived in Lesotho in 1862, establishing the first mission at Tloutle, named Ha MaJesu, and later founding additional missions. He famously advised King Moshoeshoe I to consecrate Lesotho to the Blessed Virgin Mary to avert wars. Fr Gerard also welcomed the first congregation of nuns, the Holy Family Sisters, to Lesotho.

The miracle recognised for his beatification by Saint Pope John Paul II in 1988 was the healing of a girl born blind. His path to sainthood is currently being postulated by members of his OMI congregation.