Sacred Heart Sodality Annual Retreat in Maseru

Sacred Heart Sodality Retreat Maseru

By Bokang Tsoanamatsie – The Sacred Heart Sodality in the Archdiocese of Maseru held its annual retreat from July 11 to July 13. Eight parishes, namely Maria Mabasotho, St Margaret of Paray, Massabiella, Our Lady of Fatima, St Damien, St Felix, St David, and St Joseph, gathered at St Joseph’s in Koro Koro for the retreat.

Fr Sylvester Thabelang Mothabeng, the diocesan spiritual director of the Sacred Heart Sodality, Fr Ramotinyane Clement Tampane OMI, the Parish Priest of Maria Mabasotho Oblate Pastoral Centre, and Fr Patrick Khali Khoaele OMI, the Parish Priest of Regina Mundi Mazenod led the retreat.

These priests provided insightful teachings and reflections on the solemnity and the spiritual lives of the Sodality members. They also celebrated Holy Mass during the retreat days.

When the diocesan spiritual director, Fr Mothabeng, officially opened the retreat, he reflected on Moses’ mission to liberate the Israelites from Egypt. He noted that communities are often holding each other captive, similar to how the Israelites were imprisoned in Egypt.

Members were cautioned against harbouring jealousy towards one another, which can lead to a captivity of hatred. They were reminded of the importance of forgiveness, as exemplified by Joseph, the son of Jacob, who forgave his brothers for selling him. The retreat served as a time for members to contemplate how to console the Sacred Heart of Jesus and to consider how they can embody the virtues of true Catholic faithful, particularly the virtues of love and forgiveness.

During this retreat, 29 new Sodality members were confirmed as full-fledged members of the Sodality. The Maria Mabasotho Oblate Pastoral Centre had 15 Sodality aspirants confirmed, followed by St. Margaret of Paray with 7 members. Other parishes conducted their retreats in various locations within the Archdiocese of Maseru and in three additional dioceses. Bishop John Joale Tlhomola SCP serves as the Bishop of Lay Apostolate.