The Catholic Church leader said that the life of Blessed Victoire who is known as the “guardian angel” of the early Church in Madagascar is a testament to “the power of faith in action.”
The member of the Congregation of the Mission (CM) said that despite numerous challenges, including persecution and difficulties within her own family, Blessed Victoire remained steadfast in her commitment to Christ.
“Our youth face many challenges, but by staying rooted in the Eucharist, like Blessed Victoire, they too can overcome and bear fruit,” he said, and added, “Blessed Victoire was not a member of a religious order, yet her dedication to Christ was unwavering. She devoted her life to serving others, especially the poor and marginalized, drawing strength from her deep relationship with the Eucharist.”
The Archbishop who has been at the helm of Antsiranana since January 2014 said, “As we prepare for KEN 2024, Blessed Victoire serves as a powerful example for all of us, especially the youth. Her life teaches us that to bear fruit, we must stay connected to Christ, who is our source of life.
“The Church is encouraging the faithful, particularly the younger generation, to seek the intercession of Blessed Victoire as they prepare for KEN 2024,” the Catholic Church leader, who started his Episcopal Ministry in March 2006 as Bishop of Madagascar’s Catholic Diocese of Farafangana said, and added, “The Church hopes that by reflecting on the life of Blessed Victoire, the faithful, and particularly the youth, will be inspired to deepen their own eucharistic devotion and live lives that bear fruit for the glory of God.”
Born in Antananarivo in 1848, Blessed Victoire converted to Christianity at the age of 15 and was baptized in November 1863. During the Franco-Malagasy war in 1883, when Catholic missionaries were expelled from Madagascar, Victoire continued to serve the poor and the lepers and worked to keep the Catholic faith alive. Despite facing difficulties in her marriage due to her husband's promiscuous lifestyle, Victoire remained faithful to him and succeeded in baptizing him on his deathbed in 1888.
Blessed Victoire passed away on 21 August 1894, after a serious illness and was buried four days later. Her remains were transferred twice, first to the Missionaries' tomb in Ambohipo in 1961 and later to Andohalo Chapel in 1993. She was beatified by Pope John Paul II in April 1989, in Antananarivo.
The second day of the August 21 to 23 Youth Congress was dedicated to catechesis, Conferences, Testimonies, and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, the Catholic Archbishop said, adding that catechesis for youths alongside Bible Quiz, and testimonies.
Holy Mass of the opening of the KEN 2024 has been scheduled for the afternoon of August 23.
The Eucharistic Congress is to be realized under the theme, “Fraternity to Heal the World: You are all brothers and sisters (Mt 23:8).”
