ANTANANARIVO — After eight days devoted to prayer and discernment, the Saint Gerard Majella Vice-Province of Madagascar officially opened the 2026–2027 formation year for its postulants and scholastics. Held at Saint Alphonsus House in Mandroseza, the ceremony was marked by a spirit of renewal, conversion, and preparation for the Congregation’s forthcoming restructuring.
A Celebration to Begin a New Stage
The official opening of the 2026–2027 formation year was marked by a Eucharistic celebration presided over by the Vice-Provincial Superior, Fr. Bary Théophile, at Saint Alphonsus House in Mandroseza, Antananarivo. The celebration followed eight days of prayer and discernment, giving the young men in formation and their formators an opportunity to begin this new stage in a spiritual atmosphere of openness and attentive listening.
Formation as a Personal Journey
In his message, the Vice-Provincial encouraged the postulants and scholastics, emphasizing that formation is a personal journey. He also urged them to prepare for the restructuring of the Madagascar and Matadi Vice-Provinces according to the timetable set by the Congregation’s General Government. They are called to embrace this new stage with openness, readiness, and trust.
A New Responsibility in the Service of the Community
Following the homily, the ceremony continued with the installation of Fr. Luis Armando Ravelojaona as Superior of the community. On this occasion, he made the oath of fidelity, also representing the new formators called to accompany the young men throughout this formation year.
“I Say to You, Rise, Pick Up Your Mat, and Go Home”
To guide the community throughout the year, the Gospel passage from Saint Mark was chosen as its motto: “I say to you, rise, pick up your mat, and go home” (Mk 2:11). This Gospel word is an invitation to rise, move forward and embrace the journey of transformation offered through formation.
Welcoming Restructuring with Serenity
In his concluding message, the Vice-Provincial particularly stressed the need to keep one’s eyes fixed on the forthcoming restructuring and to welcome it with an open spirit, ready to walk new paths of conversion and serenity. The celebration concluded with the final blessing and the singing of the Salve Regina, placing the entire formation year under the protection of Our Mother of Perpetual Help.
Fr. Luis Armando RAVELOJAONA, CSsR.
Saint Gerard Majella Vice-Province – Madagascar
