The confreres of the Vice-Province of Madagascar came together with two separate sessions to reflect various aspects of the ongoing formation of the members starting from 23rd of September and ending on 2nd October of 2025 at Antananarivo, Madagascar.
It was a great historic moment for the Vice-Province of Madagascar to enter into the process of ongoing formation, in accordance with the requirements of our Constitutions (C. 90 §3) and as requested by the 26th General Chapter.
The session was led by Father Nicolas AYOUBA, General Consultor of the Conference of Africa and Madagascar (COREAM), on the theme:
“Redemptorists according to Saint Alphonsus Maria de Liguori: yesterday, today, and tomorrow — what is the difference from diocesan priests? What are the challenges of Restructuring and Reconfiguration, especially in Africa and Madagascar?”
The goal of this formation was to offer each confrere the opportunity for a rediscovery of our Redemptorist identity at the heart of the Church — yesterday, today, and tomorrow — at the school of Christ the Redeemer, following our Founder, Saint Alphonsus.
The session took place in two parts:
• The first, from September 23 to 25, 2025, was intended for confreres with more than ten years of perpetual vows;
• The second, from September 30 to October 2, 2025, was for confreres with less than ten years of perpetual vows.
During the formation, each participant had the opportunity to deepen his Redemptorist identity through lively and participatory discussions. Each confrere expressed his commitment, joy, and hope in the face of the ongoing process of reconfiguration within COREAM. All demonstrated a renewed desire to live fully our Redemptorist identity, engaging actively in the mission of proclaiming the abundance of Redemption after the example of Jesus Christ, the Redeemer.
We now all take to heart our creative fidelity to the “Vita Apostolica” (Const. 1 & 4):
– The centrality of Christ the Redeemer in our personal and community life (Const. 23);
– Fidelity to our fraternal life in community (Const. 21 & 30);
– And fidelity to our mission, with a preferential option for the poorest and most abandoned (Const. 3–5).
Each of the two sessions of this Ongoing Formation concluded in an atmosphere of recollection and prayer, with a time of adoration before the Blessed Sacrament at the residence of Father Tsimanarisoa Pascal in Tanjonandriana.
At the closing of the final session, Father Nicolas left us with words of encouragement and missionary sending. In his message, he offered a strong and inspiring appeal, inviting every confrere to be an authentic witness of Christ the Redeemer, remaining faithful to the charism and spirituality of the Congregation, to our religious commitments, and to live fully the mission entrusted to us.
Through his fraternal presence, dedication, and shared experience, Father Nicolas generously offered this formation with the aim of revitalizing the spiritual, community, and missionary life of the confreres. This initiative strengthened the Redemptorist identity of each one and rekindled apostolic zeal in the service of our common mission: to proclaim with zeal and compassion the abundance of Redemption in Christ the Redeemer, especially among the most abandoned.
The Vice-Province of Madagascar expresses its deep gratitude and sincere appreciation to the Superior General of the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer and his Council, who made this beautiful initiative possible — in particular, through the person of Father Nicolas AYOUBA.
Fr. Luis Armando RAVELOJAONA, CSsR.
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