Fraternity Emphasized at Madagascar’s Eucharistic Congress as “remedy that can restore broken relationships”

Bishop Andriantsoavina highlighted the value of the Eucharist in the daily lives of young Catholics as important and sharing Blessed Carlo Acutis, the young Italian Blessed who referred to the Eucharist as the “highway to heaven” called upon youths in Madagascar to view the Eucharist as a “guiding force in their lives.”

“The Eucharist is not just a ritual; it is a path to holiness. It shapes how we live, how we treat others, and how we contribute to society. By respecting the Eucharist, we show our commitment to living a life of service, love, and integrity,” he said. 

The Local Ordinary of Antsirabé went on to highlight the challenges the youths face in their effort to balance their faith with the demands of contemporary living, saying, “The youth are deeply concerned with how to live their faith in a way that is meaningful and relevant to their daily lives.”

Youths, he said, “want to know how to navigate relationships, how to reconcile their faith with their cultural heritage, and how to make decisions that align with their beliefs.”

The Catholic Church leader also reflected on ecumenism and the importance of fostering understanding and cooperation between different religious communities.

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He emphasized the importance of dialogue and respect, saying, “We must approach interfaith relationships with openness and a willingness to listen. Our faith calls us to respect and understand those who may have different beliefs, while also remaining true to our own convictions.”

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

In his August 24 catechesis, Bishop Andriantsoavina expressed hope that the teachings shared during the Congress will inspire youths to lead lives rooted in faith and fraternity. 

“We are building a future where the values of the Gospel are lived out in every aspect of life,” he said, and added, “The youth are at the forefront of this mission. They have the potential to create a society that reflects the love, justice, and peace of Christ.”

Bishop Andriantsoavina continued, “The Eucharistic Congress is not just a momentary event but a call to action for the Church in Madagascar.”