AFRICA/MADAGASCAR - A photograph of John Paul II hugging two little Malagasy children in his arms will remain forever in the hearts of the people of Madagascar

Antananarivo (Fides Service)- “Malagasy Catholics are stricken with grief for the death of John Paul II. People are flocking to churches to pray for him” said Reverend Luca Treglia, who works with Radio Don Bosco in Antananarivo, Madagascar. “Our people love the Holy Father dearly and everyone remembers his visit to the Island in 1989 with joy. And in fact one of the country’s favourite pictures of that visit is one which shows the Pope hugging two little children from poor families who were presented to the Pope” Rev. Luca told Fides.
“Radio Don Bosco is broadcasting prayers non stop for the pontiff and at 4pm local time Cardinal Armand Gaétan Razafindratandra, Archbishop of Antananarivo, will offer Mass for John Paul II in the cathedral at which thousands are expected to attend” the missionary concluded. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 3/4/2005 righe 15 parole163)