Joining the Pope in Africa
During his second trip to the African continent, the Pope visits Mozambique, from September 4 to 6, Madagascar, from September 6 to 9, and Mauritius, from September 9 to 10. Marists have a significant presence in Mozambique and Madagascar.
It is more than 30 years ago that the Pope John Paul II also visited these 3 countries (Mozambique in 1988, and Madagascar and Mauritius in 1989).
In a video message published on August 30, addressed to all those expecting him in Mozambique, Pope Francis said: “I invite you all to join with me in praying that God, the Father of all, may strengthen efforts towards reconciliation, fraternal reconciliation in Mozambique and throughout Africa, which is the only hope for a solid and lasting peace”.
Marists in Mozambique
The Marist Brothers have been in Mozambique since 1948. Currently there are 4 communities, integrated into the mission of the Province of Southern Africa: the novitiate training centre in Matola, and education establishments in Bilene, Manhiça and Nivava.
Marists in Madagascar
The Brothers arrived in Madagascar in 1912 – more than 100 years ago. Today there are 11 communities. As well there are several Marist Laity groups, Marist Youth of Madagascar (JMM), Marist Brothers Alumni and an association of Brothers' parents. The mission of the Marists here is based on education and teaching in schools. There are 7 schools, 1 university and 1 primary school.
Marist Life growing in Africa
After a visit to Africa in July of this year, Brother Oscar Martín, General Councilor, said: “in Africa there are almost 70 Marist novices, which is a very great number. We have three novitiates: one is the novitiate of Kumasi, with the novices of the district of West-Central Africa and Nigeria. We have a second novitiate, which is in Save, Rwanda, where the novices of the PACE province and Madagascar are located. And we have a third novitiate, in Mozambique, in the city of Matola, where the novices of the province of Southern Africa are… We are trying to accompany these African provinces with their great human potential, so that little by little they will develop this feeling of regional unity. And they will have their place in all the dynamics in which the institute is involved as a Global Family”.