Children’s Fatima Pilgrimage in Maseru

By Bokang Tsoanamatsie – Regina Mundi Parish, located in Mazenod within the Archdiocese of  Maseru, initiated a children’s ministry a few years ago, where children are instructed in the catechism of the Catholic Church and engage in their own pilgrimages.

This ministry has expanded significantly, as evidenced by the increased participation in this year’s Fatima pilgrimage at Regina Mundi, which saw the involvement of additional Parishes. Initially, only the Maria Mabasotho Oblate  Pastoral Centre and Regina Mundi participated. The newly joined Parishes include St Vincent, Massabiella, Roma Parish, Maria Maligrasia, Our  Lady of Victories, and St Louis.

Visitors from various other churches also attended, including representatives from  Pentecostal churches, the Lesotho Evangelical Church of Southern Africa,  the Anglican Church, Jehovah’s Witnesses, and others.

During this pilgrimage, the children were informed about the events that took place in Fatima, Portugal, in 1917, and were educated on its significance, as well as the recitation of the Rosary.

Although Archbishop Tlali Gerard Lerotholi OMI of the Archdiocese of  Maseru was unable to attend the children’s Fatima pilgrimage, he made a phone call to speak with the children present at the event.

One of the organisers, Mr Peter Tsoamotse, expressed that this ministry is flourishing, and he hopes it will soon extend to other dioceses and even beyond national borders. Mr Tsoamotse mentioned that the next  Fatima pilgrimage is scheduled to take place at Maria Mabasotho Oblate  Pastoral Centre, with expectations of increased participation from additional Parishes.

The pilgrimage was led by Fr  Khali Patrick Khoaele OMI, the Parish Priest of Regina Mundi, alongside  Fr Thato Justice Machesetsa.

Teachers of these children from various parishes convene regularly to collaborate, support one another, and provide guidance as needed to ensure the success of their ministry.

“Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these” Matthew 19:14