Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) - The Holy Father, Benedict XVI, on 30 June 2009 accepted the resignation of the pastoral government of the archdiocese Maseru (Lesotho), presented by Archbishop Bernard Mohlalisi OMI, in conformity with the Code of Canon Law, canon 401 § 1. The Holy Father appointed as Archbishop of Maseru (Lesotho), Rev. Fr P. Gerard Tlali Lerotholi, O.M.I., Professor and Lesotho National University and St. Augustine’s Seminary, Leribe (Lesotho)
Rev. Fr. Gerard Tlali Lerotholi, O.M.I, was born on 12 February 1954 at St. James Mission (Diocese of Qacha’s Nek). He is a member of Lesotho's royal family. He entered the Novitiate of the Oblate Missionaries of Mary Immaculate at Quthing in 1975. He studied philosophy at St. Augustine’s major seminary, Roma (Maseru) and theology in Rome, Italy, at the Pontifical Gregorian University. He then obtained a Licentiate in Sacred Scripture from the Pontifical Biblical Institute. He made his perpetual vows in 1981 and was ordained a priest in 1982. Since his priestly ordination he has ministered as follows: 1982-1987: Professor at St. Augustine’s Major Seminary, Roma (Maseru); 1987-1995: Studies for a doctorate in Sacred Theology at St. Paul's University, Ottawa, Canada; 1995-1999: Assistant at the OMI Formation House in Canada; since 1999: Professor at Lesotho National University, member of the University's supreme council; Superior at Pius XII College House; Professor at St. Augustine’s Seminary, Catholic Chaplain at the National University.
The archdiocese of Maseru, created in 1951, has an area of 7,739 sq. km., and a population of 813,362, including 364,858 Catholics gathered in 38 parishes, served by 28 diocesan priests and 59 religious priests. In the archdiocese there are 119 members of male religious institutes, and 276 members of female religious institutes. There are 13 major seminarians. (S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 30/6/2009; righe 22, parole 294)
