Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Antananarivo (Agenzia Fides) – The Dehonian Missionaries reached Madagascar in 1976 (from Italy) and 1982 (from Portugal). Today, they are fully integrated into Madagascar's culture and in the local Church, which has 2 million faithful (21% of the population), 21 dioceses, and over 100 religious congregations (masculine and feminine). The Dehonian novitiate is located in the city of Antsirabe, home to nearly 800,000 Catholics. There are now about 20 novices and postulants. Originally created for the agricultural progress of the area, the center also includes livestock farming that provides food and favors the domestic economy of the neighbors.
In the Archdiocese of Fianarantsoa, the “Foyer” of the aspirants to the consecrated life is home to nearly 130 young men who are preparing for the priesthood or religious life in other Institutes. In the educational-catechetical field, the Dehonian missionaries have founded St. Joseph University in Antananarivo, which is funded by Italian Bishops and families, and which has now been open for 10 years. Pastoral efforts were difficult in the time of many social taboos that impeded a sufficient social progress: infanticide, polygamy, and sorcery. Thus, evangelization and education are the two priorities of the five Dehonian missions in the country. There has also been a great increase in vocations in the various communities. There are currently 44 Dehonians in Madagascar, 23 of whom are natives of Madagascar. (AM) (Agenzia Fides 9/6/2009)
