Fr Seeiso Tobias Mariti SCP Rest in Peace

Fr Seeiso Tobias Mariti SCP funeral

By Bokang Tsoanamatsie – Fr Seeiso Tobias Mariti SCP was interred at the community cemetery of  Motsekuoa Christ the Priest Parish, Lesotho. He passed away at the age of 84  after a prolonged illness.

Fr  Mariti’s requiem Mass was attended by the five Bishops from the Lesotho Catholic Bishops Conference, with Bishop John  Joale Tlhomola SCP of Mohale’s Hoek, serving as the  Presiding Bishop. The homily was delivered by Bishop Augustine  Bane OMI, emeritus of Leribe, who fondly remembered Fr  Mariti as his mentor during their time at St Augustine Major Seminary.

He drew parallels between the day’s Scriptures and Fr Mariti’s life,  stating that, as the Holy Scriptures suggest, Fr Mariti exemplified hope, endurance, and obedience throughout his life. He remarked that living in hope resembles a journey into the unknown, trusting in what lies ahead, and highlighted how Fr Mariti embodied a life of selflessness.

Among the notable attendees was Chief  Seeiso Bereng Seeiso, the Principal Chief of Matsieng and a member of the Senate of Lesotho, who was dressed in his Sacred Heart Sodality attire.

Fr Seeiso Tobias Mariti SCP was born on  March 13, 1941, in Thaba Tsoeu, within the diocese of Mohale’s Hoek. He embarked on his Priestly journey by enrolling at St Theresa Minor  Seminary in Roma, subsequently continuing his studies at St Augustine  Major Seminary, also in Roma. He was ordained as a Priest on August 15,  1970, at Mount Olivet Parish in the diocese of Mohale’s Hoek.

His  Priestly mission commenced at Gethsemane Parish in the Archdiocese of  Maseru. In 1971, he returned to St. Augustine Major Seminary, this time serving as a lecturer until 1979. In 1975, he was appointed as the caretaker of Masentle High School while simultaneously fulfilling his duties as a lecturer.

Fr Mariti played a crucial role in the preparations for the episcopal ordination of the late Bishop of Mohale’s Hoek, His Excellency Sebastian Cardinal Khoarai OMI, in  1978. In 1980, he served at Holy Cross Parish before moving to Emmaus later that same year. He became a member of the Servants of Christ the  Priest community in 1982 and subsequently relocated to Pretoria. He resided at the SCP General House for 18 years, primarily focusing on youth engagement. He played a crucial role in fostering unity between black and white communities during the apartheid era. Additionally, he was a key figure in the youth council. In 2001, he was appointed as the national chaplain of St Anne’s Solidarity in South Africa. In 2002, he was assigned to Maria MaMolimo Parish in Thaba Bosiu. He returned to St  Augustine Major Seminary in 2004 to teach until 2018. From 2018 to  2022, he was involved in SCP formation at Mokhalinyane.

Fr Mariti was significantly involved in various church missions and was always eager to acquire new skills and trades, particularly to aid in the development of youth.

Fr. Mariti will be remembered for his dedication to his Congregation and for consistently reminding individuals that they are Handmaids of Christ the Priest, emphasising their role as Servants of Christ the Priest.

May the soul of Fr Seeiso Tobias Mariti SCP, along with the souls of all the faithful departed, rest in eternal peace.

Grant him eternal rest, Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him.