Vocation workshop for Sacred Heart aspirants in Maseru

Vocation workshop at the Mazenod conference centre in the Archdiocese of Maseru.

By Bokang Tsoanamatsie – Six Basotho young men, aspiring to become priests of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, participated in a vocation workshop at the Mazenod conference centre in the Archdiocese of Maseru in Lesotho.

The workshop, led by Fr Joshua Moorosi Mpiti SCJ and Br Thabonyana November, took place from July 8 to July 11. This vocation aims to educate these young men about the priesthood, particularly within the Sacred Heart of Jesus community. These individuals, who previously expressed interest in the community, are being prepared for the admission process and to continue their studies for the priesthood. The theme of the retreat was inspired by Matthew 4:19, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men”.

Numerous young men from Lesotho have expressed a desire to join this community, which is located outside their national borders. One notable individual is Fr Chaka Molapo SCJ, who was recently ordained as a priest. During his diaconate, Fr Molapo completed his pastoral work in Lesotho, likely inspiring more young Basotho men to pursue the religious life within the Sacred Heart of Jesus community. Currently, Fr Molapo SCJ serves at Aliwal North as the media coordinator for the community.

Also hailing from Lesotho are Nicholas Tjamela Phamotse, who made his first profession on February 10, 2024; Andreas Keta, who made his first profession on August 12, 2017; Stephen Rorisang Malibo, who made his profession on August 11, 2019; and Emmanuel Sekoati Mpiko, who made his first profession on February 10, 2024.

The Sacred Heart of Jesus community was established on June 28, 1878, in Northern France by Leon Dehon, who was born on March 14, 1843, and passed away on August 12, 1925. This clerical religious congregation of pontifical right for men in the Catholic Church will commemorate the 100th anniversary of the founder’s death next month. They are commonly referred to as Dehonians. Despite the significant interest from Basotho in joining this congregation, there is currently no community within the country, and Fr Molapo SCJ served under the Oblates of Mary Immaculate community during his diaconate pastoral time in Lesotho.

We extend our best wishes for their growth and success.