Fr. Lekhotla Constantinus NTHETE, OMI
His Grace, Archbishop Gerard TLALI LEROTHOLI, OMI, will preside over a Eucharistic celebration during which Lesotho and the entire Basotho nation will be re-consecrated to the Blessed Mother.
This event will occur on Saturday, 8th July 2023, at St. Louis Roman Catholic Church in Matsieng, Lesotho.
The 1st consecration of Lesotho was a response to a request made by the Founder of the Basotho nation, King Moshoeshoe I. It took place in 1865 on the occasion of the Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Bishop Jean Francois Allard, OMI, led the consecration ceremony, then the Vicar Apostolic of the Vicariate of Natal, Republic of South Africa.
The re-consecration event coincides with two grand celebrations for the Basotho nation. First, it marks the 60th birthday jubilee of the reigning Basotho king, King Letsie III. Secondly, it marks the celebration of the King’s Silver Jubilee, 25 years on the throne as the king of the Basotho nation.
During the re-consecration ceremony, it is envisioned that the Bishop of Maseru, His Grace, Archbishop LEROTHOLI, OMI, will then invoke special blessings over His Majesty, King Letsie III, and the Royal family and the entire Basotho nation.
Then there will be the recitation of 1000 Hail Marys followed by a brief narration of the history of the 1st consecration, which took place in 1865 and led by 1st Oblate Missionaries in Lesotho.
In his diary Fr. Joseph Gérard, OMI recalls this historical event, “In the evening, we had a beautiful procession in honor of the most Holy Virgin. We read a consecration of the nation, of the person of King Moshoeshoe, of his subjects, etc., to the Blessed Virgin. This made everyone happy.” (February 1868. Diary of Father Gerard at Roma Mission, pg.72).
Khotso, Pula, Nala – peace, rain, and abundance.
