OMI - Lesotho

29/08/2026

The Way to the Priesthood

As part of their journey towards the priesthood, seminarians are instituted into the ministries of Lector and Acolyte. These ministries form an important part of their preparation for ordained ministry and service to the Church.

It is in this spirit that Br. Joseph Shabe, OMI, yesterday, was instituted as a Lector, together with other Scholastics, while others were instituted as Acolytes at St. Joseph Scholasticate, Cedara.

We congratulate Br. Joseph and all the Scholastics who received these ministries. May the Lord continue to guide and strengthen them on their journey towards the priesthood and generous service to the Church.

Buona continuazione, Fratello!

28/08/2026

Rev. Fr. Peter Thibinyane, OMI, left Lesotho today for Rome, Italy. Thiby, as he is popularly known, will reside at the Oblate General House while pursuing his doctoral studies.

The Province wishes him every success in his studies and in this new chapter of his journey. May Mary Immaculate accompany him, protect him, and guide him always.

Buon proseguimento, Padre!

18/08/2026

Ikatametseng ka la 12 September, Oblate House Chapel

03/08/2026

M.A.M.I. Lesotho Provincial Awareness Marathon Begins

Having recognized that many Catholics in Lesotho do not fully understand M.A.M.I. and its role within the Church, the M.A.M.I. National Committee of the Lesotho Province launched a nationwide awareness marathon to introduce the association, explain its mission, and highlight its contribution to evangelization.

This initiative was inspired by the final and explicit desire of the founder of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate, Saint Eugene de Mazenod, who urged his members: “Among yourselves practice charity, charity, charity, and zeal for the salvation of souls.” Guided by this spirit, the marathon seeks to strengthen the understanding of the lay faithful’s role within the Oblate family and to encourage greater participation in the Church’s mission.

The marathon commenced on Sunday, 2 August 2026, at Loretto Parish in Qoaling and its outstation, ’Mamohau, in the Archdiocese of Maseru. M.A.M.I. members participated in the Holy Masses celebrated by Rev. Fr. Matekane, OMI, at Loretto Parish and Rev. Fr. Mohlalisi, OMI, at ’Mamohau.

The congregations warmly welcomed the M.A.M.I. members and expressed appreciation for the opportunity to learn more about the association and the important role of lay Christians within the Oblate family. The visits provided a valuable occasion to deepen the understanding of M.A.M.I.’s mission of supporting evangelization through prayer, service, and charity.

The event concluded on a joyful note with the enrollment of eight new members into the Mazenodian family. These new members committed themselves to sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ, with particular concern for the poor, the needy, and the most vulnerable in society.

‘M’e Mary Letśaba
M.A.M.I., Secretary.

13/07/2026

Missionary Association of Mary Immaculate (MAMI) National Committee Meeting

Today, 13 July 2026, the Missionary Association of Mary Immaculate (MAMI) National Committee held a productive meeting to discuss several important matters concerning the association’s future plans and activities.

Among the key items discussed were plans to organize a Fun Walk and a Gala Dinner, both tentatively scheduled for September 2026. These initiatives are aimed at strengthening fellowship, promoting the association’s mission, and supporting its future programs.

We extend our best wishes to the MAMI National Committee as they work towards bringing these plans to fruition. May their efforts be successful, and may all their upcoming activities achieve their intended goals for the benefit of the association and the wider community.

08/07/2026

OMI Lesotho Province

Today, 8 July 2026, the Oblate Provincial Committees held a one-day meeting with the Provincial. During the meeting, each committee presented a report on its work and activities to the Provincial. The presentations provided an opportunity to reflect on the progress made, share experiences, and discuss future priorities.

At the conclusion of the meeting, all participants offered recommendations aimed at strengthening the mission and the work of the committees.

May Mary Immaculate continue to intercede for and guide the Mazenodian family as we remain committed to our shared mission.

29/06/2026

Today, 29 June, we joyfully celebrate Fr. Clement Tšeliso Ntlou on the occasion of 54 years of religious life.

While most Oblates in the Lesotho Province made their First Vows on 6 January, Fr. Clement professed his First Vows on 29June 1972, marking the beginning of a lifetime of faithful commitment to God and His people.

Happy 54th Anniversary of Religious Profession, Fr. Clement! We thank God for your dedicated witness, generous service, and unwavering commitment to your vocation.

We wish you continued good health, abundant blessings, and a fruitful ministry, especially in your compassionate service as a hospital chaplain. May the Lord continue to strengthen and guide you as you bring hope, comfort, and God’s love to those who are sick and in need.

Ad multos annos! May God bless you always.

04/06/2026

03/06/2026

On Friday, 29 May, bishops, priests, religious, and the faithful gathered at Roma for a pilgrimage to the tomb of Blessed Joseph Gerard. The main intention of the Catholic Church in Lesotho was to pray for his cause of canonization, that he may one day be elevated from Blessed to Saint.

Catholics came in large numbers from different parts of the country and even beyond. During the pilgrimage, some of the faithful shared testimonies of the help and intercession they had received through Blessed Joseph Gerard.

The pilgrimage was held in two parts: the gathering on 29 May was mainly attended by adults, while 30 May was dedicated to the youth.

As the Church continues to pray and collect testimonies, we remain hopeful that one day Blessed Joseph Gerard will be declared a Saint for the universal Church.

02/06/2026

Rev. Fr. Jacob Salooe, OMI, serves as the Vice-Postulator (or Vicar Postulator) for the Cause of Blessed Joseph Gerard in Lesotho, his role is to gather and coordinate information related to the cause at the local level and to maintain communication with the General Postulator in Rome.
Therefore:
Testimonies concerning favors received through the intercession of Blessed Joseph Gerard can be submitted to Fr. Jacob Salooe.

He examines and organizes the documentation.

He forwards the relevant testimonies and evidence to the General Postulator.

The General Postulator then follows up with the appropriate ecclesiastical authorities, especially if a reported favor appears to be a potential miracle or is otherwise significant for the cause.

For a testimony to be useful, it should normally include:

A clear description of the favor or healing received.

Dates and places.

Medical documentation where applicable.

Names and contact details of witnesses.

So, if people wish to report favors obtained through the intercession of Blessed Joseph Gerard, sending the testimony to Fr. Jacob Salooe as Vice-Postulator is the proper local channel before it reaches the General Postulator.

The General Postulation of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate follows the canonization causes connected to the congregation. It gathers documents, testimonies and historical research about Oblate missionaries whose lives left deep marks on the Church and on the communities where they served.

But the work of the Postulation goes beyond canonical processes.

It also preserves the Oblate missionary memory and keeps alive the stories of men who spent their lives proclaiming the Gospel, often in difficult, forgotten places marked by suffering.

The Constitutions and Rules of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate state:
“The Postulator General, in accordance with the mind of the Superior General, diffuses a wider knowledge of Oblates who have enriched the Congregation’s history with an outstanding witness of their holiness; and he especially promotes, according to the Church’s common law, the causes of those who are a special source of inspiration not only for the Congregation but for the whole Church.” (CCRR, R. 149c)

The Postulation exists precisely for this: to ensure that these testimonies continue speaking to the Church today. ✨