Prioritize Citizens’ “basic daily needs”: Catholic Bishops in Madagascar to Government

They urge the government to act on the outlined challenges with speed, and emphasize, “The people expect actions, not words. Provide for their basic daily needs: food, public services, electricity, water, healthcare, education, security, infrastructure, and freedom of expression.”

“Pay special attention to minors and vulnerable persons. True leaders cannot tolerate the people's suffering and must be willing to sacrifice political ambition and personal interests,” CEM members appeal. 

They advocate for “clear, continuous, and permanent plans”, which the Catholic Church leaders say “must be implemented to alleviate the people's exaggerated hardships.”

“It is time to prioritize job creation and professionalism to avoid burdening or exploiting the people. Work is a vocation, not merely a means of earning a living,” they said. 

Turning their attention on citizens of the Island nation, the Catholic Church leaders caution against “relying entirely on leaders.”

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They urge the Malagasy to “take responsibility with love and sincerity for the development of the nation, wherever you find yourselves – at home, in society, at work, in schools, or in the Church.”

“This is no time for deceit or exploitation. The people's ability to unite and care for one another guarantees stability and prosperity,” CEM members say.

They call upon parents and those in the education sector to “take their roles seriously, as education ensures the nation's future.”

“The media must continue their mission as educators, truth-bearers, and advocates for the voiceless,” they say, and add, “Catholic media, in particular, must set an example.”

Amid the highlighted challenges, CEM members encourage the people of God in Madagascar to remain hopeful, drawing strength from Christ, who, “moved by compassion”, shares their “profound suffering”. 

“Let us rekindle hope amid adversity. Jesus, moved by compassion, shares in our profound suffering. Faith and hope manifest in charity, which drives action and builds a better future,” the Catholic Bishops say.

They pledge their continued solidarity with the people through the various sectors, including education, health, and humanitarian assistance. 

“The Catholic Church will intensify its efforts in every diocese: promoting holistic human development, particularly for the poor and remote areas; supporting schools, hospitals, and dispensaries; advocating for green dioceses; and enhancing education, associations, and Catholic Action movements,” CEM members say.

They add, “The time has come to demonstrate how Catholic institutions contribute to proclaiming the Gospel and holistic human development.”

Ahead of the Catholic Church’s 2025 Jubilee Year to be marked under the theme, “Pilgrims of Hope”, Catholic Bishops in Madagascar call for renewed hope and commitment.

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“Let us remain steadfast in our commitment to shared responsibility for Madagascar's development,” CEM members say in their collective message issued November 15.

They implore, “May the Jubilee Year rekindle hope in every home and for all pilgrims of hope.”

“May the prayers of Mary, Queen of Madagascar, Saint Joseph, and all Saints and Blesseds of our land accompany us,” CEM members further implore.

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.