St Joseph Sodality Launched in Lesotho

The Catholic Church in Lesotho experienced a significant moment in history at the historic Parish of Roma Ha MaJesu, the first parish in the mountainous Kingdom of Lesotho. A sodality, which was re-established five years ago by four Catholic men passionate about the devotion to St Joseph, was officially launched, and the first confirmations of its members were conducted for the St Joseph Sodality of Lesotho.

The launch took place during a retreat from Friday, May 1st to May 3rd, 2026, coinciding with the confirmations. May 1st is celebrated as the feast of St. Joseph the Worker; consequently, the sodality chaplain, Fr Benedict Mosiuoa Makhata CSS, commenced the retreat with a Holy Mass in honour of this feast. This followed the welcoming remarks delivered by the sodality president and the area chief of Roma Ha Mafefoane.

The second day of the retreat included adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and Benediction. Subsequently, Fr Makhata opened the retreat with a compelling yet sensitive discussion on the topic of internal human wounds. He emphasised that as children grow, they encounter various pains and hardships that can lead to different internal wounds, which, if left unaddressed, may cause harm to others, particularly those close to the affected individuals. He noted that psychological wounds can be extremely detrimental, resulting in bitterness or psychological distress in victims, and if not treated professionally, they could culminate in a societal crisis.

Fr Makhata pointed out that one of the contributing factors to these issues is the absence of fathers in the upbringing of children, especially boys. He explained that historically, Basotho men often worked in South African mines for extended periods, which left deep emotional scars on their families. He urged the Catholic men of the St. Joseph Sodality to prioritise their families and consistently be present for them to foster happiness, as a joyful family lives in peace, and a peaceful family coexists with God, ultimately transforming societies and communities into harmonious and peaceful entities.

Fr Ramosa Salooe, the postulator for the canonisation of Blessed Joseph Gerard, recounted a brief history regarding the arrival of the first Catholic missionaries in Roma in 1862. He also led the retreat participants to the historic cave where the missionaries initially resided while constructing the mission house and the church. Additionally, the attendees were shown the locations that contained relics of Blessed Joseph Gerard, including his first burial coffin and his Mass vessels.

Fr Paseka Monikazi delivered a keynote address on the qualities of being a good and faithful Catholic man.

Fr Makhata concluded the Saturday session with a Holy Mass, after which the attendees were invited to dinner at the Oblates Scholasticate dining hall.

Representatives from neighbouring St. Joseph Sodality dioceses participated in the retreat; the Klerksdorp diocese was represented by its executive committee, while the Bethlehem diocese sent some members, and Bloemfontein Metropolitan also sent representatives.

On the third and final day, Sunday the 3rd, a procession of the Lesotho members commenced from Christ the King High School to the Parish. The members joyfully sang, and their families, who had come to witness this historic moment, waited on the sidelines, taking photos and ululating with joy. The Holy Mass resumed, co-celebrated by Fr Makhata, Fr Monikazi, Fr Sello Maliehe, and the Parish Priest of Roma, Ha MaJesu, Fr Francis Shopane. Fr Makhata made history by confirming 610 Basotho men as members of St. Joseph Sodality.

Among the distinguished guests present was Mr. Tsholo Tsholo, the former president of Klerksdorp and mentor to the first aspirants of St. Joseph Sodality in Lesotho. The Minister of Social Development in the Kingdom of Lesotho, Hon. Pitso Lesaoana, also attended this event. The Sodality of Lesotho presented gifts of five chasubles to the Lesotho Catholic Bishops Conference, to Bishop Victor Phalana, the Bishop of Klerksdorp Diocese, and a dalmatic to Deacon Paul Sepheakhang, the chaplain of Klerksdorp Sodality. The Parish Priest of Roma also received a chasuble.

Ite ad Ioseph