JUBILEE YEAR OF HOPE AT THE REDEMPTORIST SPIRITUAL CENTRE IN ANTANANARIVO
During the year 2025, in which we celebrated the Jubilee of Hope, the Redemptorist Spiritual Centre in Antananarivo hosted several retreats, commemorations and meetings of various groups, movements and associations from parishes in the region.
One of these meetings was the Career Guidance and Integration Workshop held on Saturday, 7 June 2025, organised as part of the ‘Jubilee Year 2025 – Pilgrims of Hope’, an initiative serving young people, pilgrims of hope.
This initiative, conceived and animated by lay people who are inspired by Redemptorist spirituality in their commitments, accompanied by the spiritual assistant of the Youth Ministry and the Redemptorists of the Vice-Province of Madagascar, Father Jean-Rémi, CSsR, brought together about 60 participants, mainly young students and young people looking for work, including those without a university education. It is fully integrated into the pastoral mission of the Church, which is to accompany young people on their journey through life, both spiritually and socially.
The aim of the workshop was to restore confidence in young people, help them get to know themselves better, identify their skills and discover concrete ways to enter the world of work or develop a personal project. The exchanges made it possible to value each person’s talents, better understand the realities of the job market and encourage an active and responsible attitude towards the future.
Particular attention was given to responsibility within the Church, presented as an essential step in building young people’s path. Engaging in church life, putting one’s skills at the service of the community and actively participating in the Church’s mission contribute not only to spiritual growth but also to human development, self-confidence and a sense of responsibility, which are essential for building a solid future.
Beyond the practical aspects, this meeting was a true space for fraternity, listening and sharing, where participants were able to encourage one another and realise that they are not alone in their difficulties and aspirations. In the spirit of the Jubilee, the workshop reminded us that Christian hope is a concrete journey, made up of commitment, perseverance and trust in God.
With this action, the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer renews its commitment to young people, convinced that every young person is a bearer of talent and future and that pastoral accompaniment and ecclesial commitment can be real levers for dignified and lasting social and professional integration.
Madagascar has a very young population (over 70% < 30 years old) that is growing rapidly, creating enormous pressure on the labour market where supply is insufficient and dominated by informal employment, especially among young people who have difficulty finding decent employment despite their level of education, highlighting a gap between training and employment.
The words of Pope John Paul II: ‘Look to the future, where the Spirit sends you to do great things with you’ also served as a stimulus for the participants.
The title of the workshop was “Ndao hamaritra”, literally translated from Malagasy as “let us shine”.
The Jubilee Year of 2025 has already ended, but the Redemptorist Spiritual Centre remains open to all those who seek moments of reflection, prayer and meditation for a spiritual, human and social life according to the demands of the Gospel and faithful to the people of today.
Stella Raonimanga, Redemptorist Associate.
