Consecration to Jesus through Mary in Madagascar

ANTANANARIVO, Madagascar - As every year, the Montfortian month begins on February 2, 2025, organized to prepare the members to progress through the different stages leading to the consecration to Jesus Christ through the hands of the Virgin Mary.

This preparation in Madagascar started with a sharing session where each member expressed his or her personal reasons for deciding to embark on this journey. It continued with teachings led by Brother Michel, our spiritual guide of Associates of Mary Queen of Our Hearts (AMRC) Andraisoro.

The second week focused particularly on explanations given by the spiritual guide regarding what is called: “Consecration”. He emphasized that consecration is a solemn commitment to God. “I consecrate myself to Jesus Christ through the hands of the Virgin Mary, Jesus Christ being the GOAL, and Mary the path leading us to that goal, for she is the humble channel, the simple, short, perfect, and sure way that leads us to union with our Lord, so that we may contemplate the glory of God.”

Each member was asked to dedicate the last two weeks to a particular effort:

• A deep examination of conscience (prayer life, faith life, efforts made and prospects for detachment from material goods), accompanied by daily prayer (a decade of the rosary, the litanies of the Virgin Mary and of the Holy Spirit);

• Strengthen prayer in union with the Virgin Mary (relationship, trust, and respect towards Mary) while continuing daily prayers;

• Fervently pray with the Virgin Mary in order to better known Jesus Christ, Incarnate Wisdom, and feel His love (TD 251), without slackening the daily prayers.

On Saturday, March 8, 2025, a joint pilgrimage of AMRC Antsobolo with AMRC Andraisoro organized a pilgrimage from Mahamasina passing through the 416 steps leading to the Cathedral of Andohalo. This pilgrimage concluded with the celebration of the Holy Mass presided over by Father Clément RAANDRINIAIN SMM and Father Crescent RAFAMANTANTSOA SMM, assisted by Deacon Victor RATAFITANIAINA, SMM. In his homily, Father Clément emphasized the importance and place of prayer in the daily life of Christians who follow Jesus. God must hold a predominant place in our lives.

Given that we are currently in the Jubilee Year, members were also encouraged to receive the sacrament of reconciliation in order to benefit from the indulgence.

The spiritual retreat in preparation for the consecration took place on Friday, March 14, and Saturday, March 15, at the Montfort Center in Andraisoro, directed by Deacon Victor.

The highlights of this retreat were:

• The importance of silence for spiritual growth (“In silence, we know ourselves better”);

• Walking together in hope according to the words of Pope Francis (moving forward together, supporting one another, not crushing others, ensuring no one is left behind);

• The model of communion inspired by the Holy Trinity (Trinitarian synodality):

• Not only communion with Jesus Christ, but also the ability to see Jesus Christ in those around us (Synodal Spirit);

• This communion generates joy, inner peace, love, and faithfulness.

The retreat concluded with the reception of the sacrament of reconciliation followed by Mass. Then, the consecration happened on Sunday, March 16, 2025, during the Holy Mass at Andraisoro. Twenty-three members were welcomed. Seven members began the first stage, while nine (9) renewed their consecration.

Father RANDRIANARIVOMANANA Jean Joël SMM, Provincial of the Montfortian Congregation in Madagascar, presided over the Holy Mass. The Gospel of the Transfiguration of Jesus was the central theme of the teaching for this second Sunday of Lent. The priest exhorted the faithful to be like the disciples of Jesus – Peter, John, and James – who was never tired of following Christ, even if fatigue threatened them at times, they always persevered. He reminded us to keep hope alive, for we are pilgrims of hope.

The emblematic hymn that concluded the consecration ceremony was: “I need a free person, according to your freedom”, an invitation to serve, love, and live poverty in the image of Saint Louis-Marie de Montfort, our founder. This celebration also saw the participation of members of AMRC Antsobolo. After Mass, a convivial gathering brought together the entire Montfortian family.

Glory to Jesus through Mary, in Mary, with Mary in the footsteps of the Spirit.