29 Jun 2026

Pink, blue and black filled Obed Itani Chilume Stadium to the brim on Saturday as thousands of Catholics gathered for a moment that felt sacred and historic. 

The episcopal ordination of Monsignor Lawrence Pheto, the 3^rd Bishop-Elect of the Francistown Diocese of the Roman Catholic Church, turned the stadium into one vast house of worship.

From the stands to the field, the colours of Catholic devotion moved like waves. Choir robes in blue, clerical black, and the soft pink of lay groups created a tapestry of faith under the open sky. You could not tell if it was a royal wedding or the swearing-in of a Head of State. It was more colourful than both, and heavier with reverence. Many said the presence of God was being felt in the music, the incense, and the hushed expectation before the rites began.

Amongst the dignitaries were Kgosi Mosadi Seboko of the Balete, Ramotswa MP Boniface Mabeo, Shashe West MP Jeremiah Franzel, former Cabinet Minister and Mmankgodi-Thamaga MP Kagiso Mmusi, Minister of Environment and Tourism Wynter Mmolotsi, Assistant Minister of Local Government and Traditional Affairs Ignatius Moswaane, senior government officials and senior church leaders.

Bishop Pheto’s ordination comes two years after the death of Bishop Anthony Rebello. 

Bishops and priests described himas the rightful person for the office. 

Bishop Victor Phalala of the Catholic Diocese of Klerksdorp, South Africa, said Bishop Pheto’s service to God needed no introduction. 

“Now that you are climbing into this hot seat, guard your heart,” Bishop Phalala told him. 

“Some will pull you down, others will lift you up.

Those are the realities of life. Do not despair. Continue with your duty of serving the Lord,” he said. 

Rev. Father Sylvester Kamana of the Francistown Diocese and Rev. Father Swaaveke Boipuso of the Tutume Diocese, in authorising his ordination, told him he was now the true face of the Church. 

They urged him to remain unshakable, no matter the challenges ahead.

When the rites were complete, the new Bishop walked the full length of the stadium, greeting congregants. Young and old reached out with open hands and ululations. 

Born in Ramotswa in 1976, Bishop Pheto’s vocation began early in the faith community of St. Conrad’s Catholic Mission. The Passionist Fathers, especially Rev. Father Patrick Sheridan and Rev. Father Kolumba Kelly, nurtured him from primary school through to seminary.

In 1997 he began priestly formation in Mazowe, Zimbabwe, where he received his initial spiritual and human formation. He then studied philosophy at Saints John Fisher and Thomas More Regional Major Seminary in Chishawasha, Harare. 

In 2000 he completed his studies at St. Augustine’s Philosophate Major Seminary in Bulawayo, among the pioneering seminarians at the new institution.

He was ordained to the Sacred Priesthood in 2008 at St. Conrad’s Mission in Ramotswa by Bishop Boniface Setlalekgosi. His first pastoral appointment came in 2006 as Assistant Parish Priest at St. Theresa Catholic Mission in Lobatse.

Today’s appointment as Bishop of Francistown opens a new chapter of pastoral leadership and service for the Church in Botswana. ends