Altar Servers Annual Retreat at Roma in Lesotho

Altar servers retreat in Lesotho

By Bokang Tsoanamatsie – The Sodality of Altar servers, commonly referred to as the ‘Brothers of St Stephen’, conducted a four-day retreat at Roma Ha MaJesu in  Lesotho from December 11 to December 14. The national and diocesan chaplains of the Sodality facilitated this retreat. The current national chaplain is Fr Pali Pascalis Pitso OMI from the Diocese of Leribe.

Fr Francis Masilo OMI from the Diocese of Qacha’s Nek guided the diocese during this annual retreat. The Mohale’s Hoek Diocese was overseen by Fr Gregory Khoabane Lelimo CSS, while the Archdiocese of Maseru was led by Fr Jonas Lijo. During the retreat, over 577 aspirants were officially confirmed as full members of the Sodality.

The participants of the retreat benefited from spiritual guidance and teachings provided by the priests, along with motivational support. Additionally, lay individuals contributed by delivering motivational talks and life skills guidance, one of whom was Mr Nkoale Joseph Tsoana, a member of the Sodality at Pelo e Tlotlehang Parish in the Archdiocese of Maseru. Mr Tsoana’s presentation focused on the responsible and prudent use of social media, particularly highlighting the vulnerabilities of youth on these platforms.

Furthermore, a pilgrimage was organised to the renowned cave that Blessed Joseph Gerard utilised as a refuge during the wars of the 1800s. This pilgrimage was led by Mr Gravel Lephoto, a committee member of the pilgrimages dedicated to Blessed Joseph Gerard. Mr Lephoto also guided the servers to the cave that once sheltered Bishop Allard, Fr. Gerard, and Br. Bernard, before they constructed their own residence. Mr Sofeng Lephoto, the national chairman of the Sodality, remarked that during this pilgrimage, they encountered rain, which he interpreted as blessings from the Holy Trinity, believing their prayers ascended to heaven. He noted the dedication of the servers, who remained committed to prayer and the singing of hymns, undeterred by the rain that lasted approximately 45 minutes.

The retreat concluded on Sunday with a Holy Mass celebrated by His Grace Tlali Gerard Lerotholi OMI, the Archbishop of Maseru, who was co-celebrated by the Bishop of Mohale’s Hoek and the Bishop overseeing Religious Life and the lay Apostolate within the Lesotho Catholic Bishops Conference delivered a homily in which he expressed his gratitude towards the altar servers and their contributions. Bishop Tlhomola SCP emphasised the importance of practising stewardship. He reminded the altar servers that Jesus Christ is the foremost server and that they should emulate His example of service. He stated that anyone serving at the altar must recognise that they are performing the work of the Lord, just as St. Stephen did. Furthermore, he highlighted that the Catholic Church is renowned for its liturgical order, and altar servers play a significant role in this regard.

In his concluding remarks at the retreat, the Archbishop of Maseru expressed his pride in the Altar Servers Sodality, noting that it has nurtured many priests. He observed that in various sectors of service across the country, there are members of the altar servers who must remember to serve as Catholics and as brothers of St Stephen, serving with compassion.