Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Tsiroanomandidy (Fides Service) - “Last year in October we opened the Year of the Eucharist with a three day National Meeting on the theme “Adoration of the Eucharist in each of the six areas of Antananarivo diocese” with conferences, some given by local Bishops. Each diocese was represented by the respective Bishop” said Bishop Gustavo Bombín Espino of Tsiroanomandidy. Following the National Meeting other initiatives were organised by individual dioceses. “In my diocese - the Bishop of Tsiroanomandidy continued - we celebrated the Year of the Eucharist with that of the Bible being held all over Africa to highlight the importance of the nourishment of the Word and the Eucharist. Special meetings to reflect on this theme were held once a month in every parish”.
Tsiroanomandidy diocese always holds an annual five day meeting with representatives of parishes and districts to reflect on a particular theme and give new life to the local Church. This year the theme was the importance of the Eucharist and the Word of God in the life of the Christian. At the meeting Jesuit missionary Fr. Manzone, who teaches at the major seminary, spoke on the importance of the Eucharistic Celebration; Jean Baptiste, a layman in charge of formation for catechists in Madagascar, explained how the Word of God is always nourishment for the people of God.
One of the fruits of the meeting was a commitment made by the people to strive to live and render this food more present in daily life and to take a more active part in Mass. Bibles were distributed to every family and people were encouraged to mediate on the Word of God frequently and to use the Bible and the Catechism for teaching the faith. Another important element of the meeting was the presence of street children now being assisted by Franciscans who are a new presence in the diocese of Tsiroanomandidy. The young people live, study and train in pilot-villages to escape the cycle of poverty and lack of opportunities. “They were given a warm welcome to the Meeting in the Cathedral. It was the first time they have ever been to Tsiroanomandidy. The sang and danced their joy of life and love for God” said Bishop Gustavo Bombín.
As part of initiatives in the Year of the Eucharist, a new parish was opened 160 km from the centre of the diocese with the ordination of a priest . “On the whole the Catholics of Madagascar live the Eucharist intimately - the Bishop concluded. Many go to daily Mass if they can. Others only on Sundays and to do so many walk or cycle several kilometres. Out liturgies are well celebrated with good participation of the people”. (RG) (Agenzia Fides 17/10/2005, righe 37, parole 517)
