For thirty years, Pope John Paul II associated the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord with the World Day of Consecrated Life. In the Archdiocese of Antananarivo, the Union of Religious organizes an annual day of prayer, reflection, and cultural activities around February 2, held at the Mandrimena Amphitheater.
In 2026, Saturday, February 7, was chosen for the celebration. The day began with Morning Prayer (Lauds), followed by a conference given by the Apostolic Nuncio to Madagascar, Archbishop Tomaz Griza. He spoke about the apostolic exhortation Dilexit Te and the commitment of religious to the poor.
At the end of the morning, the Eucharist was celebrated, presided over by the Archbishop of Antananarivo, Monsignor Jean de Dieu, and concelebrated by Monsignor Mamiarisoa Modeste, Auxiliary Bishop of Antananarivo, along with representatives of the diocesan clergy and priests from various congregations.
The Redemptorists were represented by the scholastics of the “Foyer Saint Alphonse,” who took part in this Day of Consecrated Life. After Mass, participants shared a meal together. The day concluded with cultural activities.
More than 600 men and women religious from the archdiocese participated in this Day of Consecrated Life.
Brother Baltazar Baptista, CSsR.
