OMI - Lesotho

From OMI WORLD The General House serves as the venue for a gathering of 20 Oblate Bishops from around the world, reflecting the Congregation's truly international character. Participants come from diverse countries, including Australia, Bangladesh, Peru, Lesotho, Namibia, Paraguay, South Africa, Ukraine, Zambia, Madagascar, the Philippines, and Canada, as well as the Apostolic Vicariate of Pilcomayo and the Diocese of Churchill in Manitoba, Canada. This broad representation highlights the global reach of the Oblate mission and the richness of its cultural and pastoral contexts.

Yesterday’s program included two significant presentations. The first, titled “Eugene de Mazenod: Bishop and Founder,” was delivered by Fr. Frank Santucci, Superior of the General House. The second, presented by Bishop Neil Frank of the Diocese of Marianhill, South Africa, focused on Oblate Bishops and the Oblate charism. After each presentation, the bishops gathered in small round-table groups to foster dialogue, fraternity, and shared reflection.

This ongoing meeting provides an opportunity for participants to deepen their communion, exchange pastoral experiences, and renew their commitment to the mission of the Church, inspired by the charism of St. Eugene de Mazenod.

MAMI – LESOTHO PROVINCE

The Missionary Association of Mary Immaculate (MAMI) held a profound retreat from the 15th to the 17th May 2026, preached by Rev. Fr. Clement Ramotinyane Tampane, OMI. The theme of the retreat was: “Drawing Strength from the Holy Cross.”
During the retreat, the retreat master reflected deeply on the experience of the Founder, , particularly his encounter with the Holy Cross on Good Friday in 1807. Through these reflections, participants were invited to renew and rediscover their identity as members of the Mazenodian Family.
As part of the programme, members of MAMI also visited the graves of the deceased Oblates at the cemetery.
On Sunday, which marked the conclusion of the retreat, MAMI welcomed 10 new members from different places into the association. The gathering also expressed gratitude to the outgoing committee by presenting them with certificates of appreciation in recognition of their dedicated service and hard work during their term of office.
The opening Mass of the retreat was presided over by Fr. Stephen Molefi, OMI, the Provincial.