Stigmatine Father Mosiuoa Makhata celebrates 12 years of ordination

Stigmatine Father Mosiuoa Makhata

By Bokang Tsoanamatsie – Stigmatine Father Mosiuoa Makhata celebrated 12 years of ordination. Fr Makhata CSS  oversees the Stigmatine Congregation in Lesotho. This esteemed Congregation is located within the diocese of Mohale’s Hoek at Bethel Parish. Bethel Parish is distinguished as the Parish established in honour of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Christ in 1909. It is also the Parish associated with Eulalia MaGabriel Lebaka, Servant of God.

After completing his high school education at St Margaret of Paray in the Archdiocese of Maseru, Fr Makhata CSS felt a profound calling to pursue the Sacred Priesthood. This calling led him to the Archdiocese of Pretoria, where he joined the congregation of Sacred Stigmatine Priests.

Upon his return to serve in Lesotho, he was appointed as the chaplain for the youth of the Mohale’s Hoek Diocese, as well as for the St. Joseph Sodality.

Fr Makhata is passionate about education; in addition to his Priestly studies, he has earned a doctorate in trauma counselling. He is also recognised as a powerful retreat master for religious groups both within Lesotho and beyond its borders. Fr Makhata is well-known for his humility and his ability to engage positively with individuals from all walks of life. He is dedicated to serving the most isolated and hard-to-reach communities in Phamong, located on the outskirts of Mohale’s Hoek town, where he ensures that he visits his outstation, often having to walk several kilometres on foot due to the poor condition of the roads. He traverses rivers and ascends mountains to reach and evangelise the people of God. He has ensured that the overlooked community of initiation schools and shepherds feel welcomed in the church. He exemplifies the true essence of a synodal church.

He has made significant advancements in the mission of Bethel and has fostered relationships with other religious congregations in Phamong, where they come together to pray annually.

Fr Makhata reminisced about the moment 12 years ago when he was ordained by Archbishop Emeritus William Slattery OFM in the Archdiocese of Pretoria. He cherishes this milestone, often celebrating it at his home in Pitseng, Our Lady of Pontmain.

He credits his achievements to his parents, particularly his late father, his beloved mother, and the Sisters of Charity, who played a significant role in shaping his life both at the local Parish and during his schooling.

We extend our best wishes to Fr Makhata CSS as he continues his journey in the Priesthood.