Perpetual Vows and the Diaconate

Published by Jean Claude RAMANDRAIVONONA, SMM in Madagascar · Monday 11 May 2026 · 3:00
Tags: NU, MAD, 1339

ANTANANARIVO, Madagascar - It was the Fourth Sunday of Easter. On April 27th, NANDRASANA Sthéolajumitrie Croiywem, MAHERISOA Diana Angélico, and RAMAROSON Parfait professed their perpetual vows and were ordained Deacons on April 28th in the Immaculate Conception Parish Church of Antsobolo, Antananarivo.

On the afternoon of April 27th, at 2:30 p.m., we celebrated the joyful perpetual profession of the three. These three words strongly inspired us as we celebrated: Closeness – Tenderness – Compassion. We experienced the liturgy in a spirit of warmth and simplicity, inspired by the spirituality of Father Louis Marie de Montfort. Father RANDRIANARIVOMANANA Jean Joël presided. During the service, he repeatedly emphasized the meaning of the Good Shepherd, according to Saint Louis-Marie de Montfort. He explained that the Good Shepherd is a symbol of Jesus' mission to gather and guide souls. One must be good to oneself and to others, especially before God.

Secondly, the Provincial Father drew attention to the three vows: poverty, obedience, and chastity. He stressed the importance of being aware of our choice, of the consecrated life, and of our own existence and that of other members of the Congregation.

The celebration was attended by a large number of members of the Montfortian family (Daughters of Wisdom, Montfort Brothers of St. Gabriel, and lay associates), as well as a large number of the three brothers' families. Many faithful from each parish or district where they work were also present, along with a warm welcome from the Parish of Antsobolo and the Parish of Andraisoro (Antananarivo).

The service concluded with a reception in the fraternity. It was a joyful reunion: three professed members and a shared sense of community (closeness, tenderness, compassion).

On April 28th, during the celebration of the death anniversary of our Holy Founder, Louis Marie de Montfort, we honored the diaconal ordination of three brothers with perpetual vows: NANDRASANA Sthéolajumitrie Croiywem, MAHERISOA Diana Angélico, and RAMAROSON Parfait, presided over by Bishop Mamiarisoa Modeste Randrianifahanana, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Antananarivo. The Bishop emphasized the significance of the feast day and the true devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary of Saint Louis Marie de Montfort, as well as his devotion to the mission and love of the poor, and, I would add, to those living in poverty. He emphasized, in the language of a mechanic, "We must adapt to the parts of Jesus to follow Him and serve the Church…" as he addressed the future deacons during his homily. Imitating Jesus, the Good Shepherd who loves and guides us, is necessary so that our mission and witness may be evident; true and continuous, and so that we may be close to others in tender simplicity and full of compassion. Before the blessing, the Bishop invited us to recite a Hail Mary: very Montfortian indeed!

The celebration concluded with a festive meal filled with family sharing. The festivities continued with singing and dancing. Everyone's participation was active, imbued with openness and joy. God Alone! and to Jesus, the Good Shepherd, through Mary.

Jean Claude RAMANDRAIVONONA, SMM

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