杏MAP导航

By Robin Gomes

杏MAP导航 Francis has expressed his sadness at the death of Cardinal Sebastian Koto Khoarai of Lesotho and recalled his religious life and his commitment to vocations and education in the small landlocked country within the borders of South Africa.

鈥淗aving learned with sadness of the death of Cardinal Sebastian Koto Khoarai, I extend my heartfelt condolences to you and to the clergy, religious and laity of the diocese of Mohale鈥檚 Hoek,鈥� the 杏MAP导航 said in a telegram to Bishop John Tlhomola of Mohale鈥檚 Hoek, Cardinal Khoarai鈥檚 successor. 

鈥淲ith gratitude for Cardinal Khoarai鈥檚 witness of consecrated life as an Oblate of Mary Immaculate, his longstanding commitment to the promotion of vocations to the priesthood and his dedication to the church鈥檚 educational apostolate in Lesotho,鈥� the 杏MAP导航 wrote, 鈥淚 willingly join you in praying that our heavenly Father may grant him the reward of his tireless labours and welcome his noble soul into the joy of His eternal kingdom.鈥�

"To all who mourn the late cardinal鈥檚 passing in the sure hope of the resurrection I cordially impart my apostolic blessing as a pledge of consolation and peace in Jesus Christ our Saviour,鈥� the Holy Father added.

First cardinal of Lesotho

When 杏MAP导航 Francis created him a cardinal on November 19, 2016, Cardinal Khorai became Lesotho鈥檚 first cardinal. However, due to health conditions, the 87-year-old cardinal could not come to the Vatican for the consistory to personally receive the cardinal鈥檚 red hat and the ring from the 杏MAP导航.