The Episcopal Conference of Madagascar urges the people to promote mutual listening and solidarity in their message after the plenary assembly which was held in Ambatoroka, November 3 to 12, 2021. Here is the full message, read by Bishop Gabriel Randrianantenaina , Bishop of Tsiroanomandidy, Secretary General of the Episcopal Conference of Madagascar.
"You will be my people, I will be your God" (Jer 30, 22).
MESSAGE FROM THE CONFERENCE OF BISHOPS OF MADAGASCAR
To all the Catholics of Madagascar
To the Malagasy people and to all people of good will,
May peace be with you
Dear brothers and sisters,
We, the bishops of Madagascar, have gathered as usual in Antananarivo from November 3 to 12, 2021 and we give you the following message:
1. First of all, we give thanks to God, the origin of all things, by his love and by what he lavishes on his people. Indeed, in recent months, at the end of the health emergency, our daily life has started to return to normal, allowing us to live better. This reveals that God is not abandoning us and that the Covid 19 epidemic does not have the last word. Pope Francis' message to young people urges us: "All over the world we have seen many people, including many young people, struggle for life, sow hope, defend freedom and justice, be peacemakers and bridge builders ". So stand up, we are truly God's people and He is our God. Take our responsibility so that the world can be resuscitated with our strength, enthusiasm and love.
2. Let us not be distracted: the epidemics which appear in new forms in different countries have not disappeared completely; therefore, special care and protection should always be required, especially as our borders are opening. The vaccine, which is recognized by medical experts as effective, is already widespread in the country. To dispel any doubts about the effectiveness of these different types of vaccines, we should always consult a doctor before getting vaccinated. We must not ignore other types of deadly diseases. We have to take them very seriously.
In spite of the efforts of each one and of certain groups or communities on a daily basis, shadows are still very present and can prevent us from having "a blue sky"
Relationships make people
3. It is now clear that the very relationships that define people are destroyed: those with God the Father, with creation and especially with other people. The real Malagasy values of mutual respect and respect for life are being trampled upon. We are so concerned with a thoughtless imitation of what comes from the outside world, therefore there is no real discernment of the good. It is the social network now that "educates", controls and even dictates all aspects of our society. The use of money that has become god is spreading everywhere and completely destroying human relationships. Most people are indifferent to the pains and plight of others, our proverbs "ny omby mahia tsy lelafin'ny namany" (lean beef is never licked by his companions) and "Ny ory tsy havan'ny manana" (the poor are not companions of the rich) are therefore literally applied. The gap between the rich and the poor is widening.
4. On the other hand, this mentality that takes God away from life is now creeping in. The hearts of men are so filled with this kind of illusion that God, the Creator of life, is rejected. People's lives seem to have no place for Him and they do whatever they want with the feeling that they are their own masters. This is what happened to the Messiah when he wanted to dwell with the people in Lk 2, 7 "And she gave birth to her firstborn son; she swaddled him and laid him in a manger, for there was no no room for them in the common room. "
5. It is not surprising that the proposed laws to legalize therapeutic abortion have taken center stage. We re-confirm what we have stressed before that human beings do not have the right to kill "anyone". Therefore, it is not for us to abort for any reason because it is not we who created life, it belongs to God. "Then the Lord God molded man with the dust drawn from the ground; he breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and man became a living being." (Gen 2.7). Therefore, we urge all of us who worship and fear God not to make abortion a law, even though it is meant to be for medical reasons, as medicine is meant to save lives and not to kill innocent people. Everyone should be aware that this proposed law is indirectly an open path to abortion even if it is not openly declared. We are still currently in a difficult situation because of this deadly pandemic which has killed several people. Let us not add more killings of innocent people by laws that we human beings shape.
6. In addition, all nature cries out loud today because of human aggressions through bushfires and deforestation and the unjust exploitation of natural resources. The consequence is serious, the water has dried up in many parts of the island, causing famine and migration. Environmental degradation is now a reality, so dare to take strict measures to protect it and punish those who deliberately practice bushfires and destroy forests. We all need to understand that "he who burns the earth kills the next generation" and "he who plants trees transmits life".
About education
7. Education is fundamental because it is the basis on which the whole person fulfills himself and ensures his development in all aspects of life. Education is also an opportunity to put the most important Malagasy values back in their true place, especially the fear of God. But now, more than one finds that the education sector is neglected. While it is good to reward those who have succeeded and to build infrastructure, it is also necessary to examine the fundamentals of educational systems and programs aimed at developing people with the skills and minds ready to face life in order to that young graduates are not heavy burdens for society and development. Education should not only concern skills and knowledge, but should be based on an integral vision, of man and of every man especially at the level of moral conduct in order to form a responsible person.
8. Admittedly, successive managers have not lacked the will to update the school system and curricula, but the content does not seem to have been well researched to ensure that it is well suited to the needs of the school. integral human development and respond to the needs and realities of the country's youth; indeed education becomes an object of unlimited testing. We recall that this Education Sector Plan, in progress for several years, is questionable and requires more careful consideration. Will it lead us to real success? Will it really be a success? Or is it just a question of the big bucks behind the project? We recall here what we said in previous messages on university education. You administrators and teachers, be models; and you young people, do not allow yourselves to be manipulated like political instruments.
Appeasement, mutual listening and joining hands are necessary
9. Most of the Malagasy are currently mired in extreme poverty. Many families have little to eat, no clothes, no shelter, and these are the basic needs that people should have: "The first thing to live is water and bread, clothing and food. house "(Sir 29, 21). But we cannot move forward unless we are at peace. Complaints and screams are coming from everywhere demanding urgent action or there will be social explosions. These include the complaints of many unpaid workers across the island or the late payment making them miserable and vulnerable as described Jr 22, 13. 17. Not to mention the staff of many municipalities of the Island, the University staff and many others not listed.
Blatant injustices and cries of people victims of arbitrary occupations of their land
10. Occupation of people's property, especially land, is one of the main causes of people's deficiency and poverty, as described in 1 Kings 21: 1-16. People are worried because even if they have owned land from their ancestors, it is at risk of being taken back by investors and the wealthy within a short period of time. Serious measures are needed to organize land disputes and eradicate corruption through the issuance of land titles in order to reign justice and equity to bring peace to the people. All of you, authorities at all levels, you have a great responsibility especially for land ownership, listen to the cries of the poor and the helpless.
11. Let us be grateful for all the efforts made by the government and those responsible for security in seeking to restore peace. They were successful in some areas. However, there are still many worried about the violence and we continue to urge to find effective, better and faster solutions for law and order. One of the questions that many are asking is whether there is a clear agenda for governing the country and priorities according to the realities of the people and their needs at the local level. Thank you. Recognition also to the efforts of all wise people to bring more stability to the country. However, it is already worrying that the focus is on the pre-election campaign. Many forget that what people still experience is "the food they need today".
12. For all of us, let us know that laziness and idleness are the sources of poverty. Man is called to work, it is there that his own dignity is exalted (cf. Gen 1,28), he must therefore avoid the attitude of long-term dependence and an infinite expectation of help. Avoid laziness and idleness, because they make us poor (cf. Si 22: 1; Pr 6: 6-11) (cf. Pr 13, 4; 21, 25) and do not make us progress. For you, leaders, always find and improve the means to create sustainable jobs and decent work for citizens.
Synodal Church: "Communion-Participation-Mission"
13. The Catholic Church is in the process of carrying out the Synod in accordance with the call launched by Pope Francis to live the communion, the participation, the mission which is the very essence of the identity of the Church11. Thus, we invite the whole great Family of God to take an active part in its realization. Take advantage of this exceptional opportunity for us in the parish and the diocese to meet, live and experience this "walking together". Take the Church and our faith in hand and take responsibility for thinking so that you can preach the good news today. Responding to the various forms to which we are called to respond are part of our participation. We hope that this Synod will bring more and more communion and make the Church a symbol of communion in society.
14. The Catholic Church will celebrate Christ the King next Sunday and begin the season of Advent, may these times bring new impetus to our family and may it be firmly established in our hearts that "Christ has overcome the world ". Pay close attention to the Pope's message to you young people on this Sunday of Christ the King. We entrust our whole life to the prayers of the Blessed Virgin Mary Patroness of Madagascar, of Saint Joseph and of our Saints and Blessed.
We, your bishops, bless you.
Antananarivo November 12, 2021
Memorial of Saint Josaphat.
His Exc. Msgr Marie Fabien RAHARILAMBONIAINA, Evêque de Morondava, Président of the Episcopal conference of Madagascar
His Exc. Msgr Filgence RABEMAHAFALY, Arcbishop de Fianarantsoa,Vice President
His Exc, Msgr Gabriel RANDRIANANTENAINA, Bishop of Tsiroanomandidy, General secretary.
HIs Eminence the Cardinal Désiré TSARAHAZANA, Archbishop of Toamasina,
His Exc. Msgr Benjamin Marc RAMAROSON, Archbishop of Antsiranana, Apostolic administrator of Ambanja
His Exc. Msgr Odon Marie Arsène RAZANAKOLONA, Archbishop of Antananarivo
HIs Exc. Msgr Fulgence RABEONY, Archbishop of Toliary
HIs Exc. Msgr Georges Varkey PUTHIYAKULANGARA, Bishop of Port-Bergé
His Exc. Msgr Marcellin RANDRIAMAMONJY, Bishop of Fenoarivo Atsinanana
HIs Exc. Msgr Jean de Dieu RAOELISON,Bishop of Ambatondrazaka
His Exc. Msgr Rosario VELLA, Bishop of Moramanga
HIs Exc. Msgr Gustavo Bmbin ESPINO,Bishop of Maintirano, Apostolic administrator of Mahajanga
His Exc. Msgr Jean Claude RANDRIANARISOA,Bishop of Miarinarivo,
His Exc. Msgr Philippe,RANAIVOMANANA, Bishop of Antsirabe
His Exc. Msgr Fidelis RAKOTONARIVO,Bishop of Ambositra
His Exc. Msgr José Alfredo CAIRES DE NOBREGA,Bishop of Mananjary,
His Exc. Msgr Fulgence RAZAKARIVONY,Bishop of Ihosy
HIs Exc. Msgr Gaetano DI PIERRO,Bishop of Farafangana
HIs Exc. Msgr Zygmunt ROBASZKIEWICZ,Bishop of Morombe
HIs Exc. Msgr Vincent RAKOTOZAFY,Bishop of Tolagnaro
HIs Exc. Msgr Jean Pascal ANDRIANTSOAVINA, Auxilliary Bishop of Antananarivo
His Exc. Msgr Raymond RAZAKARIVONY, Bishop Emeritus of Miarinarivo
HIs Exc. Msgr Joseph Donald Léo PELLETIER, Bishop Emeritus of Morondava
HIs Exc. Msgr Michel MALO, Bishop Emeritus of Antsiranana
HIs Exc. Msgr Armand TOASY, Bishop Emeritus of Port-Bergé
HIs Exc. Msgr Antoine SCOPELLITI, Bishop Emeritus of Ambatondrazaka
