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Province of Madagascar: A Vocation in the Service of God, Temporary Vows, and Provincial Chapter

P eventTuesday, 04 March 2025

Temporary Vows of Six Sisters and Thanksgiving Mass On November 16, 2024, six sisters professed their temporary vows in the Congregation during a Eucharistic celebration held at the Novitiate Chapel "Manovohasina." The ceremony was presided over by Father Lucien Telolahy Razafimanantsoa, Provincial of the Assumptionist Fathers. During the same Mass, Sisters Larissa and Célestine offered their thanksgiving for their first vows, previously professed in Auteuil on July 3, 2024.

In preparation for this significant day, the sisters participated in a three-day retreat from November 6 to 8, 2024, led by Father Gilbert, a diocesan priest from Fianarantsoa. Based on the Spiritual Exercises of Saint Ignatius, the retreat deepened their discernment and strengthened their commitment to religious life.

The sisters who professed their temporary vows and their spiritual mottos are as follows:

  • Sister Mahavonjiy Agathe Bienvenue of Jesus the Savior: "Do not fear, for I am with you." (Is 43:5a)
  • Sister Hantanirina Nomenjanahary Floria Philbertine of Jesus Transfiguration: "Go with the strength you have." (Judg 6:14)
  • Sister Rasoanirina Marie Lucie of the Risen Christ: "We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God." (Rom 8:28)
  • Sister Tahirilovamamy Marie Rufine of Jesus the Merciful: "My grace is sufficient for you." (2 Cor 12:9)
  • Sister Ravaomalala Jeanne Marie Angèle of the Holy Trinity: "Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid." (Mt 14:27)
  • Sister Raherimanantena Françoise of the Sacred Heart of Jesus: "For nothing will be impossible with God." (Lk 1:37)

Provincial Chapter in Ambohimahasoa

December 26–30, 2024

Theme: "Led by the Spirit, in dialogue with our reality, we discern new pathways of synodality for our time." Metanoia – Prophetic Mission – Culture of Care

The VI Provincial Chapter was held in Ambohimahasoa with 39 participants. The sisters entered into prayer and silence from the eve of the event to prepare spiritually for this significant moment of discernment.

The opening prayer on the first day was followed by a reading from the First Letter of John (1 Jn 1:1-4) by Sister Catherine Ravita. Sister Patricia then called each participant by name, and a solemn procession ensued, with some sisters carrying symbolic items such as a lit candle, the Bible, the Congregation's cross, the Rule of Life, a portrait of Saint Marie Eugenie, and the Chapter document.

On the second day, we worked on the orientations in the Chapter document in order to develop the Project of the Province.  The theme of the General Chapter inspired us to be creative in our vocation and mission in the Assumption.  Discussions revealed a thirst to renew our consecrated life, the desire always to improve our mission presence, and nurture fraternal relationships within our communities in order to contribute to the coming of the Kingdom.  Each Commission reported their activities to help us have a wide view of the future.  We were aware that the participation of our sisters in different international sessions made us feel the sense of Body-Congregation and helped our Province to flourish.

The third day we centered our work and reflection on the Province’s Project for the next six years.  We sensed the work of God through what we have done.  We express our gratitude to all the Provinces who have prayed for us during this important time for the Church and our Congregation.  May the Name of the Lord be blessed.