Dear Oblate Brothers, Lay Associates, and the entire Charismatic Family,

Greetings of Peace from Lesotho!

I extend my heartfelt gratitude for the warm welcome and hospitality I’ve experienced since my arrival in Lesotho on December 5. It has been an honor and a privilege to be among my Oblate Brothers and Lay Associates, who truly embody the spirit of our Charismatic family.

On the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, we reflected on Mary’s visit to Elizabeth, a Gospel that resonates with our mission as bearers of Jesus in selfless service. Like Mary, my visit to Lesotho has been a swift ascent up the mountain to visit a people who have welcomed me graciously. The beauty and richness of the Basotho people have filled my heart with joy and enriched our time of prayer and community. They are indeed prophets of hope, heralds of something new that is being born, and we are called to bear prophetic witness to this.

I began my visit at the Oblate cemetery, where I offered prayers for our departed brothers.  Remembering Our Founder’s vision of a heavenly community of Oblates.  The profound connection between the Oblate community on earth and in heaven humbles me, and I am grateful to be a part of this enduring legacy. May our departed brothers and all the faithful departed rest in peace.

On the eve of the Immaculate Conception, celebrating the Eucharist at the tomb of Blessed Joseph Gérard was a privilege that deeply moved me. Ntate Gerard, the Great Apostle of the Basotho, has left an indelible mark on our Oblate community, and I commended the entire Charismatic Family to his intercessions.

Engaging with various Oblate communities, the Lesotho Catholic Bishop’s Conference, and moments of fellowship and reflection have been inspiring. I am here not just as the Superior General but as a pilgrim and a learner, eager to listen, understand, and absorb the unique way in which the Basotho live the Charism.

The vibrancy of the Oblate spirit, expressed in faith, joyful celebrations, and generosity, is evident during my visits to Mazenod center, Pius XII House, the Oblate House in Maseru, Villa Maria Novitiate, the National University of Lesotho, the Maria Mabasotho Oblate Pastoral Centre, the Oblate community in St. Gerard Parish, and the Pius XII Chapel Community. To all the Oblates and faithful, I express my sincere gratitude.

Let us continue to pray for the end of wars in various countries and unite in our prayers for global peace. I am genuinely thankful for your prayers. Together, let us persist in living the Charism, guided by the teachings of St. Eugene and the intercessions of Blessed Joseph Gérard and our Blessed Mother.

Suffrages for our Deceased Brothers

I ask for your prayers for the souls of our departed brothers:
1. Fr. William WOESTMAN from the US Province, who died on December 3, 2023, in O’Fallon (USA)
2. Fr. Leo ROCHE from the OMISA Province, who died on December 8, 2023, in Pretoria (South Africa)
3. Fr. Desmond O’DONNELL from the Anglo-Irish Province, who died on December 8, 2023, in Inchicore (Ireland)
4. Fr. Terrence MURRAY from the Anglo-Irish Province, who died on December 8, 2023, in Kilburn (England)
May they Rest In Peace.

Praised be Jesus Christ and Mary Immaculate!

Chicho