FATHER GERARD'S LABOURS IN THE VINEYARD
From the death of King Moshoeshoe in 1870 until the time of his own death in May 1914 - sixty years after he had been ordained in Pietermaritzburg - Joseph Gerard continued his priestly actions and labours. If this period in his life were summarised, it may simply be said that he bore the burden of the heat of the day. He was a totally dedicated priest. Joseph Gerard was a deeply humble man, who wrote his thoughts and words in his diary.
Joseph had great concern for his parishioners. On one occasion the wife of a migrant mineworker, who only saw her husband once a year, came to Joseph and told him how she longed to see her husband. The priest and the woman prayed together for the man's early return. He came home a few days later, quite unexpectedly. When asked why he had come, he said that he had suddenly experienced a great desire to come home. That same day he had packed up and left.
Joseph had an innate belief in the dignity of humanity. He always followed in the footsteps of his Divine Master, Jesus the Christ. Joseph was conscious of the need to live an organised and disciplined life. In July 1871 he devised a comprehensive pastoral plan and programme with different groups at Roma mission. Joseph's only mode of transport to assist him with this busy ministry was on horseback. He was known for the many hours he spent totally absorbed in prayer.
Joseph's pastoral plan included saying Mass, reciting litanies and giving inspirational sermons. He conducted Benedictions of the Blessed Sacrament and recitals of the Rosary. Joseph instructed Catechumens and novice Sisters. He gave pastoral guidance and training to the St Elizabeth, St Anne and St Magdalene Groups. Joseph also heard Confessions, and conducted Retreats. In addition to his workload, Father Gerard made time to write the first Catholic Sesotho books and hymnals. He travelled to East London to arrange their publication.
In June 1874, Pope Piux IX, who had sent Bishop Allard to Africa in 1850, accepted his resignation. Father Gerard bade him farewell and welcomed the new Bishop, Jolivet. In October 1875 Bishop Jolivet and the Roma Mission Council sent Father Gerard to search for a site for a new mission at the kraal of Chief Molapo, the second son of King Moshoeshoe.
Joseph parted from Roma with sorrow. Summing up the situation as he left it, he noted that at the Village of the Mother of Jesus the mission was going fairly well. There were still about twenty Catechumens, including Qhobosheane from Tlo-o-tle Cave and his wife. The work of Joseph at St Monica Mission in Lesotho was to take from 1876 until 1897. The Mission was situated beside the border town of Ficksburg in the Orange Free State. Joseph regularly crossed the Caledon River to work with Basotho on the Free State farms. Boer farmers offered Joseph great kindness and hospitality. He admired their custom of conducting family prayers and Bible readings. Gerard used to minister to the Basotho people on the farms of the Boers during the twenty one years he was based at St Monica's. Joseph was known for his gift of bringing peace and reconciliation.
*Photograph taken by Catherine Nicolette. Please feel free to use copyright free
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