Ordination of Fr  Rorisang Stephen Malibo SCJ

The Congregation of Dehonians, also known as the Sacred Heart of Jesus Fathers and Maria Mabasotho Oblate Pastoral Centre congregation, gathered in unity to celebrate the Priestly ordination of Fr Rorisang Stephen Malibo SCJ. Fr Malibo made history by becoming the first Dehonian Priest to be ordained in the mountainous Kingdom of Lesotho.

He succeeds Fr Chaka Molapo SCJ, another native Mosotho who joined the congregation in the Republic of South Africa, where his own ordination occurred in the Archdiocese of Bloemfontein. Fr Malibo was born and raised in the Mountain Kingdom of Lesotho, specifically in the Archdiocese of Maseru Maria Mabasotho, where he served as an altar server.

The ordination ceremony was presided over by Archbishop Tlali Gerard Lerotholi OMI, of the Archdiocese of Maseru. He was joined in celebration by Dehonian Priests, including Fr Mpiti SCJ, as well as numerous priests from the Lesotho Catholic Bishops Conference.

During his homily, the Archbishop of Maseru emphasised several key aspects surrounding the ordination of the new Priest. He stated that he would not have been present if he had not received a calling. He compared this calling to his own experience when his superior summoned him to the altar for ordination, suggesting that if he had changed his mind, he should have remained where he was. He affirmed that the ordination occurred because he responded to the call of his Superior and approached the altar to be ordained. The Archbishop noted that the call to Priesthood is similar; he was called, and he responded. He also acknowledged the significant role played by the parents in supporting his vocation and entrusting him to the Church to serve as a shepherd.

His Grace Lerotholi reminded the new Priest that his hands are now entrusted with the important responsibility of blessing. He urged him to bless his flock consistently and without hesitation, emphasising that he should never delay blessings or impose conditions. Furthermore, he reminded him that Sacred Scriptures state that a priest is chosen from among the people to offer sacrifices for his own sins and the sins of the community.

He encouraged Fr Malibo to remain steadfast in celebrating Mass, drawing inspiration from the scripture found in the book of St Paul to the Hebrews.

Following his ordination, Fr Malibo performed his initial blessing on the Archbishop of Maseru and subsequently on his parents. The Mass proceeded, and he became an integral part of the celebration as a Priest.

After the Mass, during the Thanksgiving session, the congregation of Sacred Heart Fathers expressed their happiness to Maria Mabasotho, particularly to the parish Priest, Fr Pascalis Pitso OMI, who had entrusted them with Fr Malibo and had consistently supported them by welcoming Fr Chaka Molapo during his diaconate. They also expressed their gratitude to the Malibo Family.

Fr Malibo extended his appreciation to his parents and to his former Parish Priest, Fr Emmanuel Njezula OMI, who had guided him through his formation. He expressed gratitude to the congregation of SCJ Fathers for their support and guidance during his formation.

Fr Malibo SCJ celebrated his inaugural Mass as a Priest at the St Peter Centre, Maria Mabasotho Oblate Pastoral Centre, coinciding with the solemnity of St Peter and St Paul Mass.

On Monday, he will hold his Thanksgiving Mass at his parents’ home.

“The priesthood is a masterpiece of Christ’s love for humanity.”

We pray for Fr Malibo’s vocation!