Maria Mabasotho bids farewell to Fr Clement Tampane and welcomes Fr Pascalis Pali Pitso

By Bokang Tsoanamatsie – The Maria Mabasotho Oblate Pastoral Centre, located within the  Archdiocese of Maseru, has appointed a new Pastor following the departure of the current director General, Fr Ramotinyane Clement  Tampane OMI, who has received a new assignment in the Diocese of Leribe at Maryland Parish. The previous Priest of Maryland, Fr Pascalis Pali  Pitso OMI, has now taken on the role of Director General at Maria  Mabasotho Oblate Pastoral Centre.

On the first of January 2026, during the solemnity of Mary, Mother of God,  the congregation of Maria Mabasotho bid farewell to their cherished  Shepherd, Fr Ramotinyane Clement Tampane OMI.

Representatives from the congregation expressed their gratitude to Fr Tampane for his commitment and efforts in enhancing the Maria Mabasotho Pastoral Centre.  They highlighted his compassionate nature, particularly towards the less fortunate. They praised his approach of allowing those unable to fulfil their financial obligations to the Parish to contribute by  working within the Parish, inspired by St Mother Theresa’s saying, “no  one is too poor that he can’t offer anything.” They noted Fr Tampane’s dedication to fostering unity among the five centres of Maria Mabasotho,  especially among the various sodalities.

Fr  Tampane, visibly emotional, expressed his appreciation to the Maria  Mabasotho congregation for their collaboration in harmony and peace,  despite the challenges he sometimes presented. He recalled that upon his arrival in 2019, he had requested only one thing: to work together,  which he felt was achieved. He extended his apologies for any instances where he may have inadvertently upset the faithful of Maria Mabasotho and assured them that they would always hold a special place in his heart. The congregation was deeply moved, offering Fr Tampane hugs and singing songs composed in his honour.

Following the Holy Mass, the congregation of Maria Mabasotho accompanied Fr  Tampane OMI to Maryland and returned with their new Pastor, Fr Pascalis  Pitso OMI, who was warmly welcomed at the centre.

Fr  Pascalis Pali Pitso, affectionately known as “PPP,” emphasised to the  Maria Mabasotho congregation the importance of collaborating for Evangelisation. He expressed that his intention was not to create divisions among the faithful, urging individuals not to approach his office with rumours. Fr. Pitso reminded the congregation that he is not the sole Priest of Maria Mabasotho; there are other Priests who are also dedicated to serving the Maria Mabasotho community.

Fr  Pitso joins  Fr Felix Pokane Molumeli OMI, Fr Simon Molefi Mabitle  OMI, and Fr Tumo Charles Matsoso OMI, who served alongside Fr Tampane OMI.