The Diocese of Francistown celebrated a historic milestone on Sunday, 28 June 2026, when Bishop Lawrence Ofentse Pheto officially took possession of the cathedra at Our Lady of the Desert Cathedral, marking the beginning of his ministry as the third bishop of the diocese.
The solemn liturgy drew bishops, priests, religious and hundreds of faithful who gathered to welcome their new shepherd. Following the Rite of Reception and the taking of the cathedra, Bishop Pheto presided over his first Mass as bishop of Francistown, inviting the faithful to embrace a life of goodness, generosity and deeper communion with Christ.
Preaching from the day’s readings, Bishop Pheto reflected on the wealthy woman who welcomed the Prophet Elisha into her home. While many might focus on her wealth, he said what stood out most was her unwavering desire to do good.
The bishop described her as “a woman of influence” whose persistence was directed not towards selfish ambitions but towards goodness and hospitality. Her generosity, he explained, allowed her to recognise the holiness of God’s prophet and opened the way for God’s blessings in her own life.
He encouraged the faithful to imitate her example by remaining steadfast in acts of kindness.
Grow in compassion and goodness
“We must be persistent in being good,” he said. “When you are convinced of goodness, nothing should stop you from doing what is good.”
Bishop Pheto reminded the congregation that even the smallest acts of charity can become instruments of God’s grace. Referring to the Gospel, he noted that something as simple as offering a cup of water reflects Christ’s love and carries eternal significance.
He challenged Christians to move beyond occasional acts of generosity and instead cultivate hearts that continually grow in compassion.
“When you do good, God increases that goodness within you,” he said. “Do not grow tired of helping others. Allow God to enlarge your heart so that your generosity grows day by day.”
The bishop observed that people often overlook opportunities to encounter Christ in those who are poor, lonely or in need. Whether through sharing a meal, offering assistance or simply showing kindness, Christians are called to recognise Christ in every person they meet.
Reflecting on the Sacrament of Baptism, Bishop Pheto reminded the faithful that they have already been transformed into new people through Christ.
“Our baptism should make us new people,” he said. “We have died with Christ and risen with Him. We should not live as we once did but allow God’s Spirit to bring forth what is good within us.”
He challenged believers to ensure that their lives reflect the grace they have received, adding that Christians should become visible witnesses of God’s love in society.
Love Jesus
The bishop also reflected on Jesus’ words about loving Him above all else. He clarified that Christ was not asking people to love their families less but to place Him first so that every other relationship would be transformed by His love.
“If you love Jesus first,” he explained, “your love for your family, your neighbour and every person becomes purer and stronger.”
Central to his message was the importance of opening one’s heart completely to Christ. He noted that Jesus continually knocks at the doors of human hearts but often finds them closed.
“If we do not open our hearts to Jesus, He cannot enter,” Bishop Pheto said. “But when we allow Him into our hearts, He transforms us and enables us to love as He loves.”
Drawing once again from the story of the Shunammite woman, Bishop Pheto reflected on how God blessed her with the very gift she had never even requested: a son. He encouraged the faithful to trust that God understands their deepest needs even before they ask.
“God knows what we need most,” he said. “If we continue living lives of goodness and faithfulness, He will grant us what is truly necessary for our lives.”
His homily centred on hope, generosity and spiritual renewal, inviting the Diocese of Francistown to become a community where goodness flourishes through simple but faithful acts of Christian love.
A Shepherd who is Home
Speaking after the Mass, Father Gabriel Lionel Afagbegee SVD expressed his joy at welcoming Bishop Pheto to the Diocese of Francistown.
Father Gabriel, who faithfully served as apostolic administrator following the death of Bishop Anthony Pascal Rebello SVD in 2024, acknowledged that while Bishop Pheto comes with valuable pastoral experience from the Diocese of Gaborone, every diocese has its own unique character and journey.
He said the new bishop would need time to become familiar with the priests, religious and faithful of Francistown as he settles into his new pastoral home.
“He no longer comes as a priest, but as a shepherd who is home,” Father Gabriel said.
He assured Bishop Pheto of the unwavering support of the diocesan clergy, recalling the promise they had made during the episcopal ordination to work alongside their new bishop in building up the local Church.
“As we pledged during the ordination on Saturday, we, as priests, will support him in his ministry to help grow the diocese,” Father Gabriel said.
His remarks reflected the spirit of unity that characterised the celebration, highlighting the shared responsibility between bishop, clergy and laity in advancing the mission of the Church.
- Bishop Lawrence Pheto takes possession of the cathedra - July 2, 2026
- Thousands witness the episcopal ordination of Bishop Lawrence Ofentse Pheto - July 1, 2026
- More than 1000 families gather for annual meeting of families - June 23, 2026
