“This Congress will help us achieve fraternity”: Catholic Archbishop on Madagascar’s National Eucharistic Congress

“It is only fair that the State supports the actions of the Church in return, as it does a lot for the well-being of the population,” President Rajoelina said.

He said fraternity is “important and worthy of consideration for us to take on the tasks and challenges we will face, for the development of the country.”

The President of the Indian Ocean nation donated a 5-hectare land to the Catholic Archdiocese of Antsiranana. The Malagasy Metropolitan See plans to build facilities on this land to assist the residents. 

President Rajoelina also promised to contribute to the construction of the St. Francis of Assisi Church.

Meanwhile, in his message to participants of the Eucharistic Congress, the President of the Episcopal Commission for the Laity and Pastoral Care at CEM,  Archbishop Jean de Dieu Raoelison, called for staying “away from anything that may cause division and strife because Christ has united us all as one in Himself on the Cross.”

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“Take advantage of this Congress to gain strength to approach all people and to approach God,” Archbishop Raoelison said.

He implored, “May faith in Jesus Christ in the Eucharist fill our hearts and be reflected in our lives.”

The Malagasy Catholic Archbishop further implored, “We wish a holy pilgrimage for all of us participating in this National Eucharistic Congress and may this great celebration bring good results for our souls. May the Blessed Virgin Mary help and support us to examine carefully in our hearts.”

Organized under the theme, “Fraternity to Heal the World: You are all brothers and sisters (Mt 23:8),” the August 23-25 Eucharistic Congress aims to restore the value of fraternity among the people of God in the Indian Ocean Island nation.  

Jude Atemanke is a Cameroonian journalist with a passion for Catholic Church communication. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from the University of Buea in Cameroon. Currently, Jude serves as a journalist for ACI Africa.