Montfort Pilgrimage in Madagascar

ANALAMALOTRA - TAMATAVE, Madagascar - The Montfort family of Madagascar, including the Montfort Missionaries and Associates Marie Reine des Cœurs, the Daughters of Wisdom and Friends, the Montfort Brothers of Saint Gabriel and the Montfortian Gabrielist Associates, met on August 14 and 15 in Analamalotra, Tamatave, where the Montfortian novitiate is located, for the annual Marian pilgrimage.

Following St. Louis-Marie de Montfort, pilgrim of hope, this retreat allows for spiritual renewal, to strengthen ties between members of the Montfortian family, and also to share Montfortian spirituality through conferences and prayers à la Montfort with pilgrims from communities and parishes where the Montfortian mission is present on the island. A Marian procession with the recitation of the Holy Rosary inaugurated the day of August 14, followed by the opening Mass, presided over by Father Jean-Baptiste RAKOTOARISOA, SMM, in which he spoke of the importance of a pilgrimage and of having the pilgrim spirit.

The day continued with the meditation of the Passion of Christ by a Way of the Cross with Father de Montfort and conferences given by Fr. Jean-Joël RANDRIANARIVOMANANA, SMM, Vice-Provincial of the Montfortian Missionaries in Madagascar, Fr. Clément RAANDRINIAINA, SMM, head of scholastics, and Brother Ignatius of Loyola RAFANOMEZANTSOA, FMSG. The Vice-Provincial highlighted the meaning and objectives of the Marian pilgrimage: devotion to Mary, the outward practice of piety, the request for graces for oneself and one's neighbor and the plenary indulgence, and union with Christians in the Church through the sharing of Montfortian spirituality and the Montfortian charism lived by Blessed Marie-Louise of Jesus and Father Gabriel Deshayes.

Father Clément recounted the history of the "Ave Maria," its origin and meaning, and the hope and virtues obtained through devotion to the Blessed Virgin.

Finally, Brother Ignatius shared the ultimate goal of a Marian pilgrimage, which is perfect communion with Jesus and Mary, recalling the importance of the Blessed Virgin's presence in our lives as baptized people and the meaning of our Montfortian consecration. A prayer vigil marked by confession followed by adoration and praise until the early morning of August 15th was led by the three congregations, their associates, and parishioners.

The High Mass on this Solemnity of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary was presided over by the Vice-Provincial Father of the Montfort Missionaries, with a homily emphasizing the missionary spirit to share Christ, Wisdom, and hope in joy. This year's pilgrimage concluded with the announcement of the obedience of the Montfort missionaries of the Vice-Province for the next pastoral year.

To all, good luck on your mission with Jesus in Mary, imbued with the Holy Spirit, to produce singular and extraordinary things (VD35)!