EXPERIENCE OF THE JUBILEE YEAR OF HOPE IN THE REDEMPTORIST SPIRITUAL CENTRE OF ANTANANARIVO
During the year 2025, in which we experienced the Jubilee of Hope, the Redemptorist spiritual center of Antananarivo hosted several retreats, recollections and meetings of various groups, movements and associations coming from the parishes of the region.
One of these meetings was the Workshop of orientation and professional insertion held on Saturday, June 7, 2025, organized within the framework of the ‘Jubilee Year 2025 – Pilgrims of Hope’, an initiative at the service of young people, pilgrims of hope.
This initiative, conceived and animated by lay people who are inspired by the Redemptorist spirituality in their commitments, accompanied by the spiritual assistant of the Youth Ministry and the Redemptorists of the Vice-Province of Madagascar, Father Jean-Rémi, CSsR, gathered about 60 participants, mainly young students and young job seekers, including those who do not have university education. It is fully integrated into the pastoral mission of the Church, which consists in accompanying young people on their way of life, both spiritually and socially.
The workshop aimed to restore confidence to young people, help them to know themselves better, identify their skills and discover concrete ways to enter the world of work or develop a personal project. The exchanges made it possible to value each person’s talents, better understand the realities of the labour market and encourage an active and responsible attitude towards the future.
Special emphasis was given to responsibility within the Church, presented as an essential stage in building the path of young people. Engaging in ecclesial life, putting their skills at the service of the community and actively participating in the mission of the Church contribute not only to spiritual growth but also to human development, self-confidence and a sense of responsibility, essential to build a solid future.
Beyond the practical aspects, this meeting was a true space of fraternity, listening and sharing, where participants were able to encourage each other and become aware that they are not alone in their difficulties and aspirations. In the spirit of the Jubilee, the workshop recalled that Christian hope is a concrete path, made up of commitment, perseverance and trust in God.
With this action, the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer renews its commitment in favor of youth, convinced that every young person is a carrier of talents and future, and that pastoral accompaniment as well as ecclesial commitment, can be real levers for a dignified and lasting social and professional insertion.
Madagascar has a very young population (more than 70% < 30 years) with rapid growth, creating an enormous pressure on the labor market where supply is insufficient and dominated by informal,employment, especially among young people who have difficulty finding decent jobs despite their level of education, highlighting a gap between training and employment.
The words of the Pope are John Paul ll : “Look to the future, where the Spirit sends you to do great things with you” also served as a stimulus for participants.
The workshop title was “Ndao hamaritra” literally translated from Malagasy: “let’s shine”.
The Jubilee year of 2025 has already ended but the center of spiritual Redemptorist remains open to all who seek moments of reflection, prayer and meditation for a spiritual, human and social life according to the requirements of the Gospel and faithful to the man of today.
Stella Raonimanga, Redemptorist Associate
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