Inter-novitiate Retreat in Lesotho

By Bokang Tsoanamatsie, photos by Fr Chaka Molapo SCJ – The Lesotho Internovitiate Programme, organised by the Conference of Major  Superiors, gathered at  Our Lady’s House in Roma, Lesotho, on October 19-26. Led by Sr Katleho  Khang SNJM, the session focused on the theme: “The Safe Use of Social Media:  Benefits to Enjoy and Dangers to Avoid in Religious Life”, addressing the misuse of social media among youth, which negatively impacts their  Christian lives.  

The programme, with two sessions held each year, serves as a gathering for novices from various religious congregations in Lesotho, promoting their spiritual development and addressing their religious needs during their initial formation. It also provides a significant opportunity for them to exchange experiences, challenges, and joys encountered in their religious journey.

Fr Benedict Mosiuoa Makhata CSS, Parish  Priest of Bethel in the diocese of Mohale’s Hoek, and the national chaplain of St Joseph Sodality in Lesotho, represented the major superiors of Lesotho and officially inaugurated and concluded the retreat.

This session saw the participation of  23 novices from two male religious congregations: the Oblates of Mary  Immaculate and the Priests of the Sacred Heart of Jesus from Aliwal  North, South Africa. Additionally, novices from female congregations,  including the Sisters of Charity, Good Shepherd Sisters, Sisters of St  Joseph, Sisters of the Holy Names, and Sisters of St Paul from Qwaqwa in South Africa, were also present.

Among the activities, the group had the opportunity to visit the historic Thaba Bosiu plateau, a site believed to have provided refuge for the Basotho nation during the wars of the 1800s, where the graves of Basotho Kings are located. The great  King Moshoeshoe I and his villagers resided on this mountain. They also enjoyed an excursion to Mohale Dam, part of the first phase of the  Lesotho Highlands Water Project, which supplies water to South Africa. The attendees left spiritually rejuvenated, ready to continue their spiritual journey and service in the vineyard of the  Lord.