St Joseph Sodality mentors boy youth at Maria Mabasotho

By Bokang Tsoanamatsie – Following the example of Fr Meshack Maine Phenethi of the Lelapeng la Lerato retreat centre, who has spoken out about Catholic youth’s immoral social media content, St Joseph’s Sodality has taken the initiative to establish a communication channel, acting as mentors to boys at the Maria Mabasotho Oblate Pastoral Centre across 5 locations.

Fr Meshack Maine Phenethi of the Diocese of Leribe and an administrator at the Lelapeng la Lerato retreat centre, has, on two occasions during their retreats, urged Catholic youth to reconsider their social media content. Fr Phenethi expressed concern that Catholic youths often share material that contradicts Catholic principles and morals, leading to a sense of embarrassment among Priests who find it difficult to associate with them due to their choice of language.

Fr Phenethi emphasised that Catholic youth should distinguish themselves from those who have not been instilled with the morals and principles of Christianity.

A similar issue has been identified by the Sodality of St Joseph at the Maria Mabasotho Oblate Pastoral Centre within the Archdiocese of Maseru. After discussions with their Priest, Fr Clement Ramotinyane Tampane OMI, the members of this Sodality have taken the initiative to engage in dialogue with the youth from the Maria Mabasotho Oblate Centre across its five locations: St Emile, St Peter, Bishop Cenez, St Augustine, and Mapeleng. These dialogues aim to establish a communication channel between the St Joseph Sodality, acting as mentors, and the boys from the centre. The discussions will address the challenges faced by boys within their families, communities, and within the Mother Church.

The St Joseph Sodality is committed to guiding, mentoring, and advising these boys on the principles and morals expected of a Catholic child. They will also caution them against engaging in perilous activities that could jeopardise their lives, such as drug and alcohol abuse, which could lead to dire consequences.

Additionally, the members of the St Joseph Sodality will seek professional assistance when necessary to support their initiatives. One member, Mr Alexander Ntlhanngoe, pointed out that there are certain behaviours that boys often take lightly, unaware that they could result in serious legal repercussions, such as inappropriate physical contact with girls. Mr Ntlhanngoe further noted that a significant number of youth in the country struggle with alcohol and drug use, which is considered a criminal offence in Lesotho.

Mr Ntlhanngoe concluded by stating that, within the Sesotho culture, a boy is mentored by all the male villagers, not solely by his father or relatives. Therefore, the Sodality at Maria Mabasotho aims to follow this same path and guide the boy child towards Catholic vocations. One of the missions of St Joseph Sodality is to nurture and support vocations within the Catholic Church.