News from Lesotho

Inter-Congregational Journey to Qacha’s Nek

Wow! It is so nourishing to realize that in the field of the Gospel there are still people who are so determined to do what they are called for. On May 18, 2025, many religious women and men went out to visit Qacha’s Nek to awaken the spirit of the youth and invite them to consider a religious vocation. Qacha’s Nek is an approximately four-hour drive from Maseru, through the mountains, to the southern part of Lesotho. Thirteen Sisters of the Holy Names made this journey by bus with the other religious women and men. (Video)

The welcome the religious received was extraordinary! In addition to two Bishops, John Joale Tlhomola, S.C.P. (Mohales’ Hoek) and Joseph Sephamola O.M.I. (Qacha’s Nek) the cathedral where the gathering was held was crowded with many youth from different schools and adult Christians. After the inspiring and joy-filled mass, each community presented their different charisms and the foundations of their congregations. The youth were very interested in knowing more about religious life. Bishop Tlhomola encouraged the religious to visit more often places that are faraway, like Qacha’s Nek.  The visits are opportunities for the youth to meet religious and to learn more about religious life.

Synodal Journey On Gender-Based Violence and Theft

“A true pilgrimage is measured not only by the distance traveled but by the kindness shared along the way.”
Pope Francis

On April 18, 2025, three churches gathered at Peka, St. Rose, to pray against gender- based violence which seems to be increasing in numbers in that region. The churches were: St. Rose Parish (R.C.C), Lesotho Evangelical Church of Southern Africa (LECSA) and Anglican Church of Lesotho (A.C.L). It was so thrilling to see that people and churches were on the same page, seeing things in one direction. Another big problem in the region is theft. Other people seem to enjoy taking what does not belong to them from other people who worked hard for them. Things like this, many people can ignore or try to avoid and not face them. But as the community of Peka, people came together and talked about how to deal with these issues. Mr. Tumelo Matsie as the councilor of Peka said “We are now facing the difficulties of the time, but that does not have to shake us because God is testing us. God just wants to test our conscience. Are we ready to do the right thing or are we willing to test God too? I guess this is our wakeup call as the community unites and fights what is happening in our community.”  (The Sisters are a key part of the Peka community and have a significant presence. The novitiate, residence for our senior sisters, boarding school, large meeting space for community gatherings, St. Rose Primary School and St. Rose Health Centre are in Peka.)