Servant of God Eulalia Mokhosi is celebrated

By Bokang Tsoanamatsie – The Diocese of Mohale’s Hoek, under the leadership of Bishop John Joale Tlhomola SCP, celebrated Mass at the tomb of the servant of God, Eulalia Malebaka Mokhosi, affectionately referred to as  Nkhono MaGabriel by the Basotho.

This event takes place annually on the first Saturday of March in the village of Tlokoeng, which is both the home of Eulalia Malebaka MaGabriel Mokhosi and her burial site. The occasion was graced by the presence of the Bishop of Mohale’s Hoek,  along with priests from the dioceses of Mohale’s Hoek, Qacha’s Nek, and Maseru.

The event commenced with the exposition of the Blessed  Sacrament, followed by a reflection on the Sacrament of Penance delivered by Fr Eliase Rantlo OMI, the Priest of Emmaus in the diocese of Mohale’s Hoek. Subsequently, the attending priests administered the  Sacrament to the faithful.

A reflection on the teachings of the Blessed  Virgin Mary was presented by Fr Paul Bohloa OMI, the Priest of St  Gerard Parish, Mohale’s Hoek.

Fr  Benedict Mosiuoa Makhata CSS, the Parish Priest of Bethel, offered a compelling reflection on the untying of knots, accompanied by a prayer to Mary for the resolution of all knots in the lives of Christians.

In his homily, Bishop Tlhomola expressed his belief that the pilgrims present were motivated by the hope inspired by the holy and  Christian life led by Nkhono MaGabriel. He emphasised that the Mother  Church seeks not just one saint, but a multitude of saints. He said that the pilgrims gathered there recognised the life of an individual who exemplified mercy, charity, humility, and unwavering trust in God through love and faith, living in communion with Christ.

He concluded by stating that those who gathered at the ceremony for Nkhono Eulalia MaGabriel and prayed for her beatification are also called to sainthood, as they share faith in the saintly life of Nkhono MaGabriel.

Bishop Tlhomola stated that saints are established at the base of the cross, not during periods of praise and comfort. He remarked that throughout the history of the  Church, saints were not necessarily remarkable individuals but rather those who placed their trust in God through faith and love, living in communion with Christ, as exemplified by Nkhono Eulalia MaGabriel.

The pilgrims who have shared testimonies regarding Nkhono’s intercession presented their cases and were instructed to meet with the diocesan postulator, Fr  Motlalentoa Vincent Rasemese, for documentation.

Following the Holy Mass, Bishop Tlhomola prayed at the tomb of the servant of God, Eulalia Malebaka Mokhosi, and consecrated the well from which she drew water. The priests in attendance blessed the pilgrims with water from the consecrated well.

The upcoming national pilgrimage is scheduled to take place at the tomb of  Blessed Joseph Gerard at Roma Parish on the 29th of May.