Blessed Joseph Gerard OMI: Exemplifying Perseverance in Mission
Blessed Joseph Gerard, OMI – Apostle of Lesotho (1831-1914)
Joseph Gerard, the youngest Oblate sent to Natal by St. Eugene de Mazenod, faced the challenges of one of the most arduous missions undertaken by the then newly founded Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate
Perseverance in Mission
An encounter with the Missionaries of Mary Immaculate kindled in him the desire to go to the foreign missions and for this purpose he entered the novitiate at Notre Dame de l’Osier. After his novitiate (1852), he was ordained deacon by Eugene de Mazenod. He arrived in the Vicariate Apostolic of Natal (South Africa) on February 19, 1853 and was ordained a priest. After some ministry among the Zulus, he turned to the Basotho, thus becoming the apostle of Lesotho.
Joseph Gerard, the youngest Oblate sent to Natal by St. Eugene de Mazenod, faced the challenges of one of the most arduous missions undertaken by the then newly founded Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate. Confronted with significant resistance and rejection, the missionaries, including Gerard, were initially discouraged. Recognizing the potential failure in their mission, the Founder urged them to carry on.
The apostle of Lesotho
Due to the culture shock, rejection, and resistance, Joseph Gerard could have easily returned to his beloved France and family. However, he chose to persevere out of obedience to the founder. They persevered and reached the Mountain Kingdom of Lesotho. Despite the friendly welcome, it was not an easy mission. The difference from Natal was finding hope amidst Lesotho’s challenges. Wars, tensions with Parisian Missionaries (Protestants who came ten years earlier), and difficulty in evangelizing the Basotho culture meant it took years for the first convert.
The Church won the hearts of the Basotho people
Yet, Joseph Gerard never surrendered but used these challenges as motivation to work even harder. Thanks to his perseverance, patience, and compassion, the Church won the hearts of the Basotho people, and Lesotho embraced Christianity. Joseph Gerard’s zeal is an inspiration for Christians in Lesotho, particularly the Oblates in this province, across various mission sectors. Regardless of collective or individual challenges, Gerard’s legacy remains a wellspring of strength and endurance—a source of refreshing inspiration amid adversity. The Province of Lesotho remains a living testament to Joseph Gerard’s mission among the Basotho nation, echoing the call to persevere.
“One must love, love in spite of everything and always”
To those who questioned him about the secret of his apostolic success, he replied: “Beyond all the secret methods to touch and transform hearts there is Love. One must love, love in spite of everything and always.” On May 22, he celebrated Mass for the last time, and May 29, 1914, at the age of 84 he gave up his soul to God. John Paul II, on a visit to Maseru, beatified him on September 15, 1988.
By Peter Moabi Thibinyane, OMI
Published on the OMI World website
