The Charism Taking Root in Madagascar

We are very happy to share the recent opening of our community in Antsirabe, Madagascar. This new community has been founded with a twofold purpose: to accompany young women closely in their formation process and to begin the search for a suitable property for our future expansion in the country.

After an initial stage of settling in, during which we organized the essential aspects of community and formation life, we began building closer relationships with our neighbors and with the local religious communities. At the same time, we are opening paths of communion to make our charism and spirituality known within this diocese, trusting in the fruits that the Lord will bring forth in this portion of His Church.

Our first steps in the diocese have been a profoundly enriching experience. We had the opportunity to visit four parishes and participate in two vocational camps, settings in which we were able to share our spirituality closely with others. The response has been very hopeful: many lay people expressed great interest in learning more about our mission, and several young people — both boys and girls — approached our community with openness and genuine interest.

Although transportation and access to the different places presented challenges due to road conditions, we embraced every journey with deep missionary joy. With grateful hearts, in the coming months we will continue this beautiful mission of making our Congregation known and sowing the seed of our charism in these lands.

Pastoral Involvement

Little by little, we are becoming integrated into the parish. At present, the aspirants teach catechism and help prepare children for the sacraments (around 1,000 children). In addition to this parish ministry, they also collaborate with the NGO “Scolarization Madagascar,” teaching street children for one hour each day. I accompany and work closely with the young people, strengthening our presence and charism among them.

In these first steps on Malagasy soil, it is impossible not to recall the beginnings of our first community in Cuba and the wisdom with which Mother Antonia organized those early foundations. Although we have only been here for three months, the progress has been immense.

Our presence is gradually being felt in a discreet yet profound way in the heart of the diocese, and many people already know us and welcome us warmly. In this process of foundation and insertion, the aspirants have been collaborating with great generosity. From the simplicity that characterizes our daily life, we contemplate with gratitude how our charism is gradually becoming inculturated in this land.

We give thanks for the gift of the charism we have received.

Rani Michael