Madagascar: Origins and presence in Madagascar

The Beginnings of the Presence of the Cenacle Sisters in Madagascar:

 When Pope Pius XI issued a call to all congregations of men and women 

to be missionnaries, the Cenacle responded to this call.

Five French Sisters arrived on October 20, 1948 

to bring  the "Cenacle" to Malagasy soil, and they were welcomed

 by Mgr Victor Sartre Archevêque d’Antananarivo.

The Five Foundresses

Sisters: Marie Aimée Boissard, Asella Thomas,

Hélène Chardon, Odette Laporte Many,

              Martine Martin                           

The First Foundation

Amparibe

October 20, 1948

The Provincial House Today

Sister Suzanne RAMBININTSOA

Provincial Superior

The Second Foundation

Ambohipo - Sacred Heart  

 1952

This old house of the Sisters of Saint Joseph of Cluny (the first religious congregation to arrive in Madagascar) became home to the Cenacle in 1952.  It has been a house of formation for postulants and novices since March 25, 1953.

At first, the sisters took care of the Normal School of the diocese (a Teachers' College), which was across the street from the house.  Now the Normal School no longer exists, but the apostolic works continue to prosper:

* Ensuring human formation, moral and spiritual  

* Serving the catechists of the Normal School 

*Welcoming a variety of groups for retreats, days of recollection, and other programs

* Christian Life Communities, diocesan priests, men and women religious

* Young Adults discerning their vocation, those preparing for marriage, Seminarians

* Those preparing to receive the Sacraments: children, youth and adults

*  Associations,  etc…

The Third Foundation

The Cenacle in Antsirabe

in 1959

The First Spiritual Center in the Diocese

* A place for Retreats and Days of Recollection

* for prayer

* for rest

 Catechisis

 * Awakening of Faith

 * Deepening Faith

 * Formation and training of Catechists

 * Diocesan Commission for Catechists    

Welcome and Accommodation

* People of diverse backgrounds.  

Presence in the Various Dioceses