The Catholic faithful in Lesotho gathered on Saturday, 24 October 2026, for Fatima pilgrimages in the Archdiocese of Maseru and the Diocese of Leribe, renewing their commitment to prayer, repentance and conversion in response to the message of Our Lady of Fatima.
The Archdiocese of Maseru held its pilgrimage at Fatima Ha Ramabanta, while the Diocese of Leribe gathered at Our Lady of Pontmain in Pitseng. Earlier in the day, children celebrated their own Fatima pilgrimage at the Maria Mabasotho Oblate Pastoral Centre, organised by the Mofumahali oa Lefatse Mazenod community.
Archbishop Lerotholi Calls the Faithful to Authentic Christian Living
In the Archdiocese of Maseru, pilgrims began their spiritual journey with the recitation of the Holy Rosary, processing from the famous Nkesi Gap towards the parish while meditating on the four mysteries of the Rosary.
The programme continued with reflections on Mariology, the theological study of the Blessed Virgin Mary, followed by the administration of the Sacrament of Penance, which offered pilgrims an opportunity for reconciliation with God and spiritual renewal.
The celebration culminated in the Holy Mass, presided over by His Grace Archbishop Tlali Gerard Lerotholi, OMI, Metropolitan Archbishop of Maseru.
At the beginning of his homily, Archbishop Lerotholi acknowledged the various sodalities present, greeting their members according to their respective sodality salutations.
Reflecting on the commandments of God, the Archbishop reminded the faithful that the greatest commandment is to love God with all their hearts, minds and strength. This love, he stressed, must find expression in the way Christians relate to their neighbours, whom they are called to love as themselves.
He presented the Blessed Virgin Mary as a model of complete surrender to God’s will, pointing to her fiat—her acceptance of God’s plan—as an example of humility and obedience for all Christians.
Mary’s response, “Let it be done according to your word,” demonstrates that authentic discipleship requires more than words; it calls for a willingness to place God’s will above one’s own desires.
The Archbishop further encouraged the pilgrims to remain grateful for God’s protection. Referring poetically to the night sky as the “Basilica of Heaven,” illuminated by Sister Moon and the stars, he invited the faithful to recognise the beauty of God’s creation and His providential care.
He also reflected on the unexpected arrival of rain despite predictions of El Niño conditions, observing that God works in ways that human beings may not always anticipate. His remarks encouraged the faithful to deepen their trust in divine providence.
A Renewed Appeal for the Conversion of Nations
Archbishop Lerotholi paid tribute to the legacy of his predecessor, the late Archbishop Emmanuel Mabathoana, OMI, who composed the hymn “Let’s Go to the Mother of Graces.”
Recalling the hymn’s appeal for the conversion of Russia, the Archbishop extended the call to include Israel and Lesotho. His appeal echoed the enduring message of Fatima: that prayer, repentance and conversion remain essential to the spiritual renewal of individuals and nations.
The Archbishop also issued a solemn reminder about the biblical warnings concerning the mistreatment of widows and orphans. He expressed concern about those who oppress society’s most vulnerable, underscoring the Christian obligation to defend the dignity of every person and practise justice, compassion and charity.
Returning to the example of the Blessed Virgin Mary, he described her as a woman of humility, unceasing prayer and faithful obedience to God.
He cautioned those who profess to be handmaids of the Lord against treating the Word of God lightly. Christian identity, he reminded the faithful, must be demonstrated through a life that reflects the Gospel in action.
His message challenged the pilgrims to examine their consciences and ensure that their Marian devotion translates into genuine conversion, love of neighbour and responsible Christian living.
Leribe Faithful Gather at Our Lady of Pontmain
In the Diocese of Leribe, the Fatima pilgrimage took place at Our Lady of Pontmain in Pitseng under the leadership of His Excellency Bishop Vitalis Marole, OMI.
The gathering provided the faithful with an opportunity to unite in prayer and renew their commitment to the Blessed Virgin Mary and the spiritual message associated with Fatima.
Children Celebrate Fatima at Maria Mabasotho
Earlier on Saturday, children gathered at the Maria Mabasotho Oblate Pastoral Centre for a children’s Fatima pilgrimage organised by the Mofumahali oa Lefatse Mazenod community.
The celebration was led by Father Felix Molumeli, OMI, and provided an opportunity for the younger members of the Church to participate in Marian devotion and deepen their understanding of prayer and faith.
The children’s gathering also highlighted the importance of nurturing the faith of younger generations and introducing them to the spiritual heritage of the Catholic Church.
Fatima: A Call to Live the Gospel
The celebrations in Maseru and Leribe, together with the children’s pilgrimage at Maria Mabasotho, reaffirmed the enduring significance of Marian devotion in the life of the Catholic Church in Lesotho.
The message emerging from the pilgrimages went beyond the recitation of the Rosary and participation in the Eucharist. It called the faithful to a deeper relationship with God, sincere repentance, humility, love of neighbour and solidarity with the vulnerable.
As the pilgrims returned to their homes and communities, they were invited to carry the spirit of Fatima into their daily lives, allowing prayer to inspire action and devotion to bear fruit in Christian witness.
Ultimately, the pilgrimage served as a reminder that honouring the Blessed Virgin Mary means following her example of faith and obedience, allowing her fiat to inspire a renewed commitment to Jesus Christ and the Gospel.
