Encouraged to always move forward

Published by Mandimby FANJANIRINA, associé laïc in Madagascar · Thursday 23 Mar 2023
Tags: NU, MAD, 982

ANTANANARIVO, Madagascar, 23 March 2023 - Like every year, in the month of March, we renew our consecration to Jesus through the hands of the blessed Virgin Mary. The lay Associates Marie Reine des Cœurs in Andraisoro, Antananarivo chose the date, March 12, 2023, the third Sunday of Lent, for consecration.

We were nine members who made this renewal, and Miss Nivo Sylviane RAKOTOMANGA made her consecration. The Holy Mass was held at the Parish of Andraisoro and was presided over by Father Bruno RANDRIANASOLO KIKY SMM, the Provincial and Father Crescent, RAFAMANTANANTSOA SMM, the parish priest. Thanks be to God, Jesus Christ and our Virgin Mary who managed us and helped us so that we carried out all the preparation well; the Montfortian month, the spiritual retreat and the pilgrimage, the latter which took place on Saturday, March 11, 2023, on the eve of our consecration. Usually, before the consecration of the associates of Andraisoro, there is always a community pilgrimage together with the associates of Antsobolo. We did it at the “Lavabato de la Vierge Marie” Sanctuary, a sanctuary built by a Lazarist Father: Father Pedro OPEKA in Ambohimahitsy, Antananarivo.

We were about 50 members who participated in this great spiritual event. Some of the activities we carried out are namely, the Way of the Cross, the Holy Rosary, Presentation and ended with Mass, presided over by Father Samuel NILAINA SMM, who was also the facilitator during the pilgrimage, accompanied by Deacon Narindra NARINDRASOA SMM and Brother Michel RAVELO SMM.

We received this great grace with joy even though there were many problems encountered during the preparation period. We have always been encouraged by our little slogan: "never give up, we must always move forward despite the various obstacles encountered". This slogan which corresponds to the Gospel of this third Sunday of Lent, the conversation between Jesus and the Samaritan woman. Jesus is always on our way, let us practice seeing the Lord who is present in all those who cross our paths. And the Samaritan woman who left her pitcher there... she didn't need any old things because she had discovered the newness of the gift of God. And we too, we have left our problems, our difficulties and we follow Jesus Christ, who is Eternal Wisdom.

All of this was accomplished because of God is always there. We extend our gratitude: to our Father Provincial, to Father Crescent, he who moves us to Montfortian spirituality; to Dear Father Jean Claude, our Father Director, he always directed us to the proper organization and reminded us of the rules that we must follow in the Association; to all our associated lay friends from Antsobolo and Andraisoro who have come to pray and celebrate this unforgettable day together and to all the Christians of the parish of Andraisoro. We have not forgotten Brother Michel, he has always accompanied us from the beginning of the preparation until the date of the celebration. Thanks to all of you!

Mandimby FANJANIRINA, Lay associate

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