St Joseph Sodality Lesotho Mourns Member Mr Seoehla Molapo

By Bokang Tsoanamatsie – The St Joseph Sodality, under the auspices of the Lesotho Catholic Bishops Conference, bid farewell to one of its esteemed members, Mr Seoehla Joseph Jonathan Molapo, in the diocese of Leribe on August 23.

Mr Molapo, who became a member of the Sodality after being accepted during a retreat at St Gerard Parish in the diocese of Mohale’s Hoek on the 2nd of February 2025, passed away on August 8 after a prolonged battle with various chronic illnesses, which he managed with medication until his demise.

In addition to his involvement with the Sodality, Mr Molapo was also a member of the Lesotho Catholic Men’s Pilgrims. His requiem Mass took place in his village of Matukeng, located in the diocese of Leribe, where four priests concelebrated the Mass. These included Fr Benedict Mosiuoa Makhata CSS, the national chaplain for St Joseph Sodality Lesotho, Fr  Christopher Moshoeshoe, the priest of St Joseph of Mount Royal Parish in the diocese of Leribe, Fr Meshack Maine Phenethi, the administrator of the Lelapa la Lerato retreat centre at Mahobong in the diocese of Leribe, and Fr Louis Thabiso Mohlalisi OMI, the Parish Priest of Our Lady of Loretto in the Archdiocese of Maseru.

The choirs leading the music for this Holy Mass were the Sodality of the Sacred Heart from St Joseph of Mount Royal and the St Joseph Sodality, collaborating together. Fr Makhata delivered the homily, referencing Genesis 47:27-31, where Jacob imparts his final instructions to his son Joseph, asking him to promise to continue loving him even after his passing. Jacob’s second request was for Joseph not to bury him in Egypt, but to take him to the graves of his ancestors. Fr Makhata shared that Mr Molapo had sent a message to his fellow Sodality members, asking them to pray for him as his health declined. When he believed he was recovering, he requested that they conclude their prayers with an ‘Amen’, unaware that he was indeed nearing his transition to his Creator.

During the funeral, speakers praised Mr Molapo for his humility, love, and exceptional interpersonal skills.

Mr Molapo received high praise from the alumni of Sacred Heart High School for his efforts in ensuring that former students maintain their connections and share their skills and expertise to enhance the School.

Chief Pontso Mathealira, the Principal Chief of Tsikoane, recognised Mr Molapo as a devoted family man who encouraged his relatives to ensure their children receive the best education. Chief Pontso mentioned that every Christmas holiday, Mr Molapo would take his family back to his hometown of Pelaneng and sacrifice a sheep for them.

The school board Chairperson of New Millennium Private School, where Mr Molapo’s wife is Principal, remarked during an interview with Mrs Molapo that when she was asked to introduce herself, she did so through a poem that reflected her husband’s character. The principal emphasised that she was able to do this because she was well cared for by Mr Molapo.

The St Joseph Sodality in Lesotho stated that Mr Molapo was indeed inspired by the virtues of St Joseph, their Patron Saint, as he embodied these virtues in his life.