St Joseph Sodality Lesotho concluded its spiritual retreat at Bethel Parish in the Diocese of Mohale’s Hoek with a pilgrimage to the tomb of the Servant of God, Eulalia Malebaka Magabriel Mokhosi, popularly and affectionately known among the local faithful as Nkhono Magabriel.
The retreat resumed on Friday with Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, followed by words of spiritual encouragement from the Sodality Chaplain, Fr Benedict Makhata CSS, who guided members in reflecting on their faith and commitment to the Church.
The second day was dedicated to a pilgrimage to the tomb of Nkhono Magabriel. In a spirit of prayer and devotion, members disembarked from their buses before reaching the village and proceeded on foot, reciting the Holy Rosary along the way.
The pilgrimage was guided by Fr Vincent Rasemese, the diocesan Postulator in the cause for the canonisation of Nkhono Magabriel, assisted by Mr Pheane Nkola, a catechist at Bethel Parish. Together, they took members through significant places associated with the life of the Servant of God. They showed the pilgrims the houses in which she had lived and led them to a large boulder where she reportedly retreated to pray during moments of difficulty and also to give thanks to God.
Mr Nkola shared historical accounts of Nkhono Magabriel’s life, extraordinary faith and devotion to prayer, including accounts of miracles attributed to her during her lifetime and after her death. Pilgrims were also given an opportunity to ask questions and learn more about her spiritual journey.
Among the accounts shared was the story of how Nkhono Magabriel reportedly crossed the Senqu River to attend Mass at St Gabriel on the other side. He also recounted that she was never affected by rain during her journeys to attend Holy Mass.
According to Mr Nkola, Nkhono used sacramentals to protect her agricultural fields, which were reportedly never affected by pests, destructive hailstorms or drought. These extraordinary occurrences, however, led some villagers to suspect her of witchcraft. She was reportedly punished by villagers and even taken before the Principal Chief of Phamong to answer accusations of practising witchcraft.
Mr Nkola further shared accounts of extraordinary events involving sick children and the intercession attributed to Nkhono Magabriel. One account concerned a seriously ill child who had reportedly failed to receive help from doctors. The child was taken to her tomb, where the family sought her intercession.
Another account involved a grandmother who had taken her grandchild to Quthing Hospital. When the child died, the grandmother, faced with financial difficulties and unable to afford mortuary services and transportation of the body to her village, appealed to Nkhono Magabriel for intercession. According to the account, the child later showed signs of life, allowing the grandmother to carry the child back to the village, although the child subsequently passed away.
Mr Nkola also explained that Magabriel was not her original name but a name given to her mockingly because of her frequent journeys to attend Mass at St Gabriel. What may have begun as ridicule eventually became the name by which generations of faithful came to know and remember her.
During the pilgrimage, priests administered the Sacrament of Reconciliation, also known as Confession, to the pilgrims. They included Fr Gregory Lelimo CSS of Bethel Parish and Fr Molatelle of St Matthew’s Parish in the Diocese of Qacha’s Nek.
The pilgrimage culminated in the celebration of Holy Mass, presided over by the Bishop of Mohale’s Hoek, His Lordship John Joale Tlhomola SCP.
In his homily, Bishop Tlhomola challenged the pilgrims to examine their faithfulness in their daily lives. He asked whether, if St Joseph were to question them about their faithfulness, they would honestly be able to declare themselves faithful in their homes, communities, the Church and the country.
The Bishop reminded members that they call one another brothers because they demonstrate the virtue of faithfulness towards each other. He encouraged them to ensure that this brotherhood is not merely expressed in words but is reflected in their actions, relationships and service to others.
Following the celebration, pilgrims were given an opportunity to place candles at the tomb of the Servant of God and draw water from Nkhono Magabriel’s Well, adding to the spiritual significance of the pilgrimage.
The retreat concluded on Sunday with Holy Mass at Bethel Parish. The Mass was presided over by Fr Vincent Rasemese CSS, concelebrated by Fr Benedict Makhata CSS and Fr Gregory Lelimo CSS.
A significant highlight of the closing celebration was the welcoming of approximately 90 new aspirants into St Joseph Sodality. Their admission marked the beginning of their formation journey towards confirmation as full members of the Sodality.
The retreat provided members with an opportunity to deepen their devotion to St Joseph, strengthen their brotherhood and reflect on the importance of prayer, reconciliation and faithfulness in Christian life.
The pilgrimage to the tomb of Nkhono Magabriel was particularly significant, as it invited members to reflect on a life remembered for perseverance in faith, devotion to the Holy Mass and steadfastness in the face of adversity.
As St Joseph Sodality Lesotho continues its mission, the challenge from Bishop Tlhomola remains relevant: to be faithful not only in prayer and devotion but also in the home, the Church, the community and the nation.
The accounts of miracles in this article are attributed to the pilgrimage guide and should not be interpreted as official Church recognition of those miracles while the cause for canonisation is ongoing.
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