Lesotho Catholic Bishops Conference Celebrates Jubilee of Hope

By Bokang Tsoanamatsie – The Lesotho Catholic Bishops Conference (LCBC) celebrated the Jubilee of Hope and the conclusion of the liturgical year on the Solemnity of Christ the King in the Archdiocese of Maseru. This splendid event was held at a Papal podium affectionately referred to as Sethaleng sa Mopapa by the Basotho.

The festivities commenced on Saturday, coinciding with the feast of St Cecilia, featuring a Rosary walk from Our Lady of Victories Cathedral to the Papal podium. The Archbishop of Maseru, Tlali Gerard Lerotholi OMI, along with Fr Mpho Lucius Setipe, the Parliamentary liaison director in the LCBC, participated in the walk and shared reflections on the historic faith journey of the Basotho. Additionally, the Archbishop conducted a cleansing ceremony at the podium to ensure its sanctity for public access, in case any negative occurrences had transpired there, thus consecrating the site for Holy liturgical processes.

The principal event continued on the solemnity of Christ the King, attended by all four dioceses, each represented by their respective Bishops and Priests. The procession of Christ the King began their journey from the nearby Maria Maligrasia church to the podium, accompanied by prayers and hymns. Upon their arrival, the procession of the four Bishops, Priests, and Seminarians commenced, leading to Holy Mass presided over by Bishop Mopeli Joseph Sephamola OMI, the President of the Lesotho Bishops Conference, alongside the Archbishop of Maseru, the Bishop of Mohale’s Hoek, and the Bishop of Leribe as concelebrants.

A representative from the IMBISA Secretariat was also in attendance. Dignitaries from the Kingdom of Lesotho were present, including His Majesty King Letsie III and Her Majesty Queen Masenate Mohato Seeiso, as well as Prime Minister Samuel Ntsokoane Matekane, accompanied by two ministers, Hon Lebona Lephema and Hon Pitso Lesaoana. The judge of the kingdom of Lesotho, Justice Mabatsoeneng Hlaele, along with her husband, Hon Lebohang William Hlaele, a member of the national assembly, were in attendance. The principal chief of Matsieng, Chief Seeiso Bereng Seeiso, and Queen Mabereng Seeiso, were also present, adorned in their traditional sodalities attire. The event was honoured by political leaders and former members of the national assembly. Numerous representatives from religious orders within the Kingdom of Lesotho were also present. Among the visitors from SACBC was the renowned Catholic hymns singer, Mr Kgethang John Konese, from the Archdiocese of Klerksdorp.

Archbishop Tlali Gerard Lerotholi OMI of Maseru delivered a powerful and reflective homily. The articulate and poetic archbishop reminded the congregation that they were standing on sacred ground, once graced by a holy man. He recounted that Pope John Paul II visited Lesotho in 1988 at that very location, where he beatified Blessed Joseph Gerard.

Archbishop Lerotholi also reminded the congregation that they were celebrating a Jubilee year of hope, emphasising that no one can endure life without hope. He noted that many individuals are living without faith and love but can’t survive life without hope. He stated that the primary reason individuals commit suicide is due to a loss of hope in life. He emphasised that hope is intrinsically linked to trust, which should be placed in the Lord our God rather than in humanity. He noted that those who have placed their trust in human beings have often faced disappointment, whereas trust in God remains steadfast and does not lead to disappointment.

The Archbishop reminded the audience that the Holy Scriptures affirm that ultimately, only faith, hope, and love endure.

In an important ceremony that was organised by Fr Hlompho Andrew Hlaha, all religious celebrating 25 years of their religious lives were honoured with awards. Their Majesties were also recognised for their 25 years of Matrimony.

In his keynote speech, the King of Lesotho acknowledged that during all events and ceremonies attended by the Church, it serves as a reminder for the governors to engage in reflection and introspection, particularly during this Jubilee period. He expressed appreciation for the Archbishop’s emphasis on the significance of trust in God, quoting that those who place their trust in God do not grow weary but are rejuvenated and can soar. He extended gratitude to the Church on behalf of Her Majesty for the award recognising their matrimonial journey together. He urged the Basotho people to engage in introspection and to begin demonstrating compassion towards one another. The director of IMBISA, Fr Enrico Parry, conveyed greetings from the IMBISA president, His Grace Liborious Nashenda OMI, from Namibia, as well as from the entire IMBISA community across its 88 dioceses. He expressed his honour at being present at this magnificent event.

In his closing remarks, the president of LCBC, His Excellency Sephamola OMI, expressed his astonishment at the number of attendees at the ceremony. He mentioned that he would have felt disappointed had they not attended, but witnessing such a large turnout was both exciting and overwhelming. He expressed his gratitude to all the guests who honoured their ceremony with their presence. He recognised the dedication that Fr Hlaha and Sr Matobo, along with their assistants, invested in ensuring the ceremony’s success. He extended his thanks to all those who lent the church their valuable assets for use during the celebration.

The event concluded with a youth celebration, during which the Bishop of Mohale’s Hoek and the Bishop responsible for religious and sodalities addressed the youth before Kgethang Konese from Klerksdorp Diocese took the microphone as the master of ceremonies for the youth event. He also performed several songs and featured Mr Francis Ntoane from St. Vincent Parish and Mr Sentso from St Michael’s Parish. Dj Thizizo played Catholic songs that kept everyone dancing until inclement weather intervened.