By OMIEditor on Feb 14 in Mission Stories, Missions News

The year 2012 marks the 150th anniversary of the arrival of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate in Lesotho.

Lesotho is located near the extreme South East corner of the African Continent, and completely surrounded by the Republic of South Africa. Lesotho (formerly Basutoland) was constituted as a native state under British protection by a treaty signed in 1843. The colony became the independent nation of Lesotho on Oct. 4, 1966.

According to OblatesUSA.org “The Oblates arrived in Lesotho in 1861 and since that time nearly every Catholic church, school, or community outreach program has some ties to the Oblates.”

“Our beloved King Moshoeshoe I, who was thirsting for nothing but peace, requested the assistance of the Oblate missionaries who were working in southern Africa,” said Fr. Emile Moteaphala, O.M.I.“That is how the Oblates ended up coming to our Mountain Kingdom where they achieved wonders.”

At the age of 22 Fr. Joseph Gerard, O.M.I., left France to become a missionary in Southern Africa. Over the next 61 years he would never see his native country or his family again.   A recent article, published by omiworld.org, celebrating the 150th anniversary of the the Missionary Oblates arrival to Lesotho quotes then Bishop Mazenod talking about missionary pioneers and the challenges they faced.

At times, even Bishop de Mazenod seemed to have regretted his choice: “My dear Bishop, I hesitate before sending someone to you… you should realize that not everyone has the skin thickness of Father Gerard…” But 150 years later, seeing the amazing vitality of the Church in Lesotho, one cannot help but wonder: maybe he was the right man after all!

He had faith, and he was a man of prayer. That was sufficient. What about Father Gerard? “Wise people” had some comments to make about him: “He is a bad organizer… He has no sense of time… He is always shabbily dressed…” On face value this was hardly a recipe for success. But how do we explain the huge impact that he has made, both in Lesotho and elsewhere? Surely, the dynamics of his popularity are not of this world – he is a saint!  Fr. Gerard was beatified in 1988 by Pope John Paul II

The pioneer missionaries in Lesotho were followed by a strong contingent of Canadian Oblate priests and Brothers. They started arriving in Lesotho from 1930 onwards. The new Oblates were well prepared in many aspects of their missionary endeavor: studies, technical skills, medical certificates, etc.

Today, thanks in large part to the Oblates, 90 percent of the population of Lesotho is Christian, and the majority of these are Catholic. Dozens of Lesotho men have been inspired by the Oblates and are presently attending the Oblate Scholasticate in South Africa.

While evangelization has been a hallmark of the Lesotho mission, the Oblates have also been active in a variety of social and community improvement programs. One area where Oblates are working today is with victims of HIV/AIDS.  Lesotho has an HIV/AIDS prevalence rate of 23.2 percent, one of the highest rates in the world. Life expectancy in Lesotho is only 36 years.

(Excerpts originally published on omiworld.org and oblateusa.org with additional information by oblatemissions.org)

:: Read more about Fr. Gerard, OMI: http://oblatevocations.ca/oblate_heroes.php#joseph

:: About Lesotho: Lesotho: Maps, History, Geography, Government, Culture, Facts, Guide & Travel/Holidays/Cities — Infoplease.com

:: Video Interview with Gerard Lerotholi, OMI, Archbishop of Maseru, Lesotho: