The Catholic Church in Lesotho recently commemorated the 60th anniversary of the passing of Archbishop Emmanuel Gregory Mabathoana, a prominent figure in the history of the Catholic Church in Southern Africa. Mabathoana, affectionately known as "The Singing Bishop," was a composer, educator, scholar, linguist, priest, bishop, and international Catholic leader whose influence extended from Lesotho to Rome, London, the United States, and the Second Vatican Council.
Born on December 29, 1904, at Mokhokhong near Roma, Mabathoana was a great-grandson of King Moshoeshoe I. He entered St. Teresa Seminary in 1924, made his Oblate novitiate, and was ordained to the priesthood in 1933, becoming the first Mosotho to join the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate and the second Mosotho priest after Fr. Raphael Mohasi. His priestly ministry combined pastoral work with education and scholarship, teaching at St. Theresa's Minor Seminary and St. Augustine's Major Seminary.
Mabathoana's influence extended far beyond music and education. In 1952, he became the first bishop of the newly established Diocese of Leribe and was consecrated on March 25, 1953. In 1961, when Maseru became an archdiocese, he became its first Archbishop and Metropolitan, serving as the first African Catholic Archbishop in Southern Africa and the first African to serve on the executive of the Southern African Bishops' Conference (SACBC).
The commemorations, spearheaded by the Lesotho Catholic Bishops' Conference (LCBC) and the Mabathoana Commemoration Committee, included a music festival on September 12, the ordination of four deacons on September 18, and the ordination of four priests at the 60th anniversary Mass on September 19. A four-part Mabathoana Memorial Lecture Series explored different aspects of his life and legacy.
Queen 'Masenate Mohato Seeiso attended the 60th anniversary Mass, describing Mabathoana as a "son of the soil" and emphasizing the importance of Basotho children knowing his contribution to the Church and Lesotho. She encouraged the newly ordained priests to follow his example of faith, service, and dedication to the people.
Archbishop Gerard Tlali Lerotholi, the fourth Archbishop of Maseru and Mabathoana's successor, reflected on the legacy of pioneers like Mabathoana, quoting Hebrews 13:7: "Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith." The president of the Lesotho Catholic Bishops' Conference (LCBC), Bishop Joseph Sephamola, described Mabathoana as a global icon and called on the faithful to pursue his legacy and continue praying for his beatification.
The anniversary commemorations highlighted Mabathoana's relationship with American Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen and his international ministry, including participation in the Second Vatican Council and the International Eucharistic Congress in Bombay, India. His legacy continues to inspire the Catholic Church in Lesotho and beyond.
Key points
- Mabathoana was a pioneer in the Catholic Church in Lesotho, serving as the first African Catholic Archbishop in Southern Africa and the first African to serve on the executive of the Southern African Bishops' Conference (SACBC).
- The commemorations included a music festival, ordinations, and a lecture series, showcasing Mabathoana's contributions to music, education, and the Church.
- Mabathoana's legacy extends beyond the Catholic Church, being part of Lesotho's national story and a reminder of the country's values and history.
