February 19, 2024 — Monday, First Week of Lent — Behold, now is a very acceptable time; behold, now is the day of salvation — Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Matthew (Mt 25: 31-46)

We're already in Lent, having just celebrated Ash Wednesday, which is also the time when we prepare for Easter. In addition to Baptism, the Eucharist and Confirmation strengthen and complete our Christian identity. Confession simply involves confessing and acknowledging a person's sins, but it is perfected by the priest's absolution; such is the anointing of the sick, which is more perfect than the anointing with oil; in the sacrament of Holy Orders, there is the anointing with oil. The work of baptism consists in removing sin from the foundation, making each person a child of God and an heir of eternal life.

Rôrô is a new social phenomenon that is gaining ground in the country. RÔRÔ is a danger that shocks public opinion and destroys the future of Malagasy youth, if young people are not warned before they take the drug. Rôrô is just heroin, but in the form of a white powder with a bitter taste, it is mixed with numerous substances such as sugar, quinine, fentanyl... Catechesis on drug use, with P. Avellin Ravelonanosy.

First Sunday of Lent: God wants to be with us; Man does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God. We are entering the 40-day season of Lent, which began on Ash Wednesday. We need to take steps towards peace with God: make an effort to rid ourselves of bad habits, do penance and good deeds, abstain from food and control ourselves. God takes the first step towards reconciliation with us humans: God has made a covenant of peace with humans and with the next generation, just as is said in the story of the flood.

Message from the Bishops at the end of the Pilgrimage

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, You who have come in such large numbers to take part in this national pilgrimage, as well as all of you who are following it from home through the media. We, the bishops of Madagascar, would like to express our deep gratitude to you for having responded to our invitation and for having brought this jubilee initiated by Pope Francis to life spiritually. With you, we take up Mary's song: ‘My soul exalts the Lord’ and we repeat with her: ‘What shall I repay the Lord for all the good he has done me?’....

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Love and Salvation

Christmas is a great joy, because it is the love of God that has come to us, proclaims Fr. Bizimana Innocent, Provincial Superior of the Salesians Don Bosco of Madagascar and Mauritius, presenting his Christmas greetings. Salvation is accomplished, so life is not in danger of disappearing. It is this love and this salvation that we wish to fill our life so that we have peace.

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Zatti, our brother

The short film "Zatti, our brother" (Argentina, 2020) focuses on one of the most difficult episodes of his life. We are in Viedma, in 1941: at the age of 60, Zatti is forced to leave the hospital he has attended for decades. His faith and strength are tested.

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