On Sunday 21 August 2011, Archbishop Gerard Tlali Lerotholi of Maseru, Lesotho, received Human Life International's prestigious Cardinal Von Galen Award, in recognition of his courageous commitment to the defence of the most innocent of "Christ's least brethren" - the unborn.
The award ceremony was preceded by Holy Mass, celebrated by the Archbishop, during which he exhorted the attendees of the first 'HLI Anglophone Regional Conference and Training' to remain strong in their commitment to the pro life cause. The Archbishop spoke strongly for the need to "accept life" unconditionally and without compromise. Following Holy Mass, the participants of the Regional Conference gathered in the Consolata Mission Centre dining hall, to attend an honorary ceremony, which commenced with an opening address from the National Secretary of Pro-Life Tanzania, Mr. Frank Mwanyangala.
Following this, the HLI Regional Co-ordinator for Anglophone Africa, Mr. Emil Hagamu, spoke briefly about the significance of the Cardinal Von Galen Award, which was being presented for the first time to an Anglophone African Bishop. After receiving the award, the Archbishop delivered an inspiring address, in which he expressed his gratitude and joy at receiving the award, and considered it timely for Lesotho, as it approaches an important battle for the cause of life as the parliament debates the idea of legalising abortion. In his address the Archbishop emphasized the following points:
“The Award given to me is an honour and a mission to my country and to the world; that our traditions do not condone abortion; that we must respect those carrying life; that as Christians we have to accept every life unconditionally; and we have to defend that life, protect that life, promote life; we are meant to be witnesses to the sanctity of human life and that we are not meant for death, but for life”.
The event was concluded with words of wisdom from Monsignor Julian Kangalawe, the National Advisor for Pro-Life Tanzania after which participants enjoyed a celebratory dinner in the Archbishop's honour.