Thousands of faithful from across the Mountain Kingdom of Lesotho gathered at Ha MaJesu Parish in Roma on 29 May 2026 to honour Blessed Joseph Gérard, the beloved missionary known as the Apostle of Lesotho. The annual night vigil, held on his feast day, became a powerful reminder of the missionary’s enduring legacy and a call for all to pursue holiness through service, faith and love.
The pilgrimage began shortly before 7pm and brought together clergy, religious sisters, youth and members of numerous church sodalities, including Kemolo ea Maria, Children of Mary, St Cecilia and St Anne. The gathering was made even more significant by the presence of all four Catholic bishops of Lesotho, who remained with the faithful throughout the night in prayer and worship.
Present were Archbishop Gerard Tlali Lerotholi OMI of the Archdiocese of Maseru, Bishop Vitalis Sekhonyana Marole OMI of the Diocese of Leribe, Bishop John Joale Tlhomola SCP of the Diocese of Mohale’s Hoek and Bishop Joseph Mopeli Sephamola OMI of the Diocese of Qacha’s Nek.
The annual vigil is one of the most important spiritual events in Lesotho, drawing pilgrims from every corner of the country and beyond. This year, faithful from neighbouring South Africa and Botswana also joined in the prayerful occasion.
A model of holiness
In his homily, Bishop Joseph Mopeli Sephamola OMI reflected on the life and witness of Blessed Joseph Gérard, describing him as a model of holiness whose example remains relevant today.
“Just as Blessed Joseph Gérard is a model of holiness, we are called to go forth and preach the Word of God,” he said.
The bishop encouraged the faithful to imitate the missionary’s dedication and perseverance. He reminded them that Christians are called to serve all people, especially the sick, the poor, orphans, children, the elderly and those who are suffering.
Reflecting on Gérard’s missionary journey, Bishop Sephamola noted that the French Oblate travelled to Lesotho with a spirit of humility and commitment to spreading the Gospel and devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary.
“Like Blessed Joseph Gérard, we need to be exemplary and become messengers of hope, salvation and joy,” he said.
Drawing from the teachings of St Paul, the bishop explained that every good work flows from union with Christ. Christians are called to live differently because they belong to Jesus, who taught forgiveness rather than revenge.
He urged pilgrims not to become discouraged in their faith journey but to continue working tirelessly for the Kingdom of God.
“When we believe in Christ, there is no need to fear anything,” he said. “Everything comes from God.”
The bishop also reminded the faithful that healing and reconciliation ultimately come from Christ through the ministry of the Church. He encouraged everyone present to pray for the grace to become saints.
“We are here seeking holiness,” he said. “I encourage all of us to pray to be among the holy ones.”
Faith must bear fruit
Before the final blessing, Archbishop Gerard Tlali Lerotholi OMI, who presided over the Eucharistic celebration, expressed his hope that devotion to Blessed Joseph Gérard would continue spreading throughout the world.
He reminded the faithful that God calls every Christian to love Him wholeheartedly and to serve Him faithfully.
The archbishop stressed that faith without works is fruitless, echoing the message that genuine discipleship is demonstrated through action.
Quoting Hebrews 13:7, he encouraged the faithful to remember those who first brought them the Gospel:
“Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.”
Like Blessed Joseph Gérard, Archbishop Lerotholi said, the memory of a righteous person continues to bless future generations.
A highlight of the evening was the presentation of a relic of St Pope John Paul II, a blood plasma relic gifted from Poland, which was received with great reverence by the faithful.
Remembering the Apostle of Lesotho
Blessed Joseph Gérard’s story remains deeply intertwined with the history of Catholicism in Lesotho.
Born on 12 March 1831 in Bouxières-aux-Chênes near Nancy, France, he joined the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate in 1851. As a young deacon, he was sent by Saint Eugene de Mazenod, the founder of the Oblates, to the mission territory of Natal in South Africa.
Ordained a priest in Pietermaritzburg on 19 February 1854, Blessed Gérard initially worked among the Zulu people. Despite his dedication, his ministry there yielded few visible results. In 1862, he moved to Lesotho, where he began the challenging task of evangelising the Basotho people.
For more than two years, he worked and prayed before welcoming his first catechumen. Yet he remained steadfast in faith and mission. Gradually, the Church began to grow.
Within five years of his arrival, the first mission station had been established at Roma. Today, Roma stands as one of the most important centres of Catholic life in Lesotho, home to seminaries, novitiates, religious communities, schools, a university and a hospital.
Blessed Joseph Gérard died on 29 May 1914 at the age of 83, leaving behind a flourishing Church and a legacy of faith that continues to shape generations of Catholics.
Celebrating a historic anniversary
This year’s vigil also commemorated the 60th anniversary of the death of Archbishop Emmanuel Mabathoana OMI (1904–1966), the first Mosotho archbishop.
His memory added another layer of significance to an event already rich in spiritual and historical meaning.
Inspired by his example
Among the many pilgrims attending the vigil was Sister Caroline Maoeng HFB, who serves in Roma. She said she attends the annual gathering as an opportunity to pray with fellow Catholics and reconnect with the roots of her faith.
“I am inspired by how much he loved and served Lesotho and its people,” she said.
Reflecting on the example of Blessed Joseph Gérard, she encouraged young people discerning their vocation to listen carefully to God’s call.
“Listen to your inner voice because it comes from God and choose to live a life that fulfils you and makes you happy,” she advised.
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