21 August - Victoire Rasoamanarivo, a Malagasy laywoman, born in Antananarivo in 1848, she is the daughter of Rainandriantsilavo and Rambahinoro. She converted to Christianity at the age of 15 and asked for baptism, which was given to her on November 1, 1863.

She made her First Communion on January 17, 1864 and received the Sacrament of Confirmation on September 11, 1864. On 13 May 1864 she married Radriaka (son of the Prime Minister); the marriage was celebrated at about 10 pm by Father Finaz. On September 6, 1876, Victoire became the founding president of the ZMM (Zanak'i Masina Maria or Daughters of the Blessed Virgin).

When in 1883 the Catholic missionaries were expelled from Madagascar because of the Franco-Malagasy war, she continued to devote herself to the poor and the lepers and helped to keep the faith alive. Victoire and Brother Raphaël Louis Rafiringa took care of the Catholic Church.

She was a heroic example of fidelity in marriage, for despite her husband's attitude, which led a promiscuous life and made her unhappy, she remained faithful to him and even managed to baptize him on March 14, 1888, on his deathbed.

On August 21, 1894, Victoire died of a serious illness. She was buried four days later in Rainiharo's tomb. Victoire's remains were first transferred to the Missionaries' tomb in Ambohipo in September 1961. Then, on August 22, 1993, her remains were transferred to Andohalo Chapel. Victoire Rasoamanarivo was beatified by Pope John Paul II on 30 April 1989 in Antananarivo.

 

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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