Madagascar?s 15th provincial chapter

Madagascar celebrated its fifteenth provincial chapter under the theme “Seeking a new La Valla in Madagascar” from Dec. 27 – Jan. 4.

“I hope this experience will help the Brothers and Lay marists in Madagascar to live a “New La Valla”, that is updating the experience in La Valla 1817 to fit the (current) life in Madagascar,” Br Sylvain Ramandimbiarisoa told the general house press office on Jan. 9.

According to Br Sylvain, former provincial of Madagascar and current general councillor, lay Marists gave much insight regarding realities in the country that are unfamiliar to the Brothers.

Brother Michel M. Razafimandimby took up office as provincial superior, replacing Br Sylvain, during a Mass held on Jan. 2.

The participants included 15 capitulants, vicar general Brother Luis Carlos Gutiérrez on behalf of the general administration,three young brothers, and seven lay Marists representing seven schools in Madagascar who attended the first 3 days.

They discussed topics including shared life and mission with laity, presence and work with poor children, child rights protection, new fields of apostolate outside schools and improved interpersonal relationship.