Submitted by admin on
Inauguration in Madagascar
in March 2014
On March 1, the whole Generalate Team was in Antananarivo, Madagascar
to open a new Cenacle in Soavimbahoaka (a suburb of the capital).
The Generalate Team (L to R): Srs Ghislaine, Jeanne Aimée, Patricia, Mary, Meny, The front of the new House
and on the right, Sr Suzanne, Provincial of the Cénacle in Madagascar
This house is the first constructed in Madagascar for the elderly and sick sisters. As Sister Patricia said that day, "It has been a long time since we all first began to talk about the need for this house for the care of our elderly and sick sisters. I remember the many meetings with our last superior general, Sr Yolande Guiraud, who did all she could to begin to make this a reality. Finally the dream has become a reality and the construction is finished!" Providing the proper conditions to care for those who need it is the primary purpose of this construction, but it seemed good to also have a second community to serve in a spiritual center.
Addressing the elderly sisters who had moved in the evening before, Sister Patricia said:
"To you my dear sisters, you who are our elders and who left Ambohipo yesterday evening, I want to speak directly to you today. Upon entering this new phase of your life, your mission will continue in a special way in this place. Rooted in a deeper experience of Se Livrer, your mission will be expressed especially through prayer for the world and the Church.
I think it is particularly significant that all of this is happening for you as we celebrate the 150th anniversary of Se Livrer, this spiritual experience written by our founder St. Thérèse Couderc."
Then addressing the sisters who will be the small apostolic community that will animate the spiritual center, Sr. Patricia hopes that they are able to help many people to deepen their relationship to Jesus Christ through catechesis, retreats, and days of prayer, and that this mission will bear much fruit. Full text of Sr Patricia's remarks
This inauguration was truly a time of celebration and thanksgiving! During the Eucharist presided at by Mgr Nugent, Papal Nuncio to Madagascar, the chapel was blessed, as well as the altar, tabernacle and all those present, followed by the blessing of the whole house. Among those present were the sisters of the two new communities, of course, but also friends, neighbors, religious and priests from the surrounding communities, as well as representatives from the offices of Patriarche (the architect) and Colas (the builder) who created this beautiful building.
 |
 |
|
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
According to Malgasy tradition, the Eucharist was followed by speeches, gift-giving and a festive meal.
The aspirants, postulants and novices dancing during the meal, followed by the young sisters and the not-so-young in turn, not to mention the magnificant cake, all of this made this day fun and joyful.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
May this new house and its mission be blessed!