Saturday, September 7, 2019

Madagascar: Meeting with the Bishops

This afternoon, at 3:30pm local time (8:30am EDT), the Holy Father, Pope Francis left the Apostolic Nunciature and travelled by car to the Cathedral of Andohalo for a meeting with the Bishops of Madagascar.


Upon his arrival, at 4:00pm (11:00am EDT), the Pope was welcomed at the entrance to the Cathedral by His Eminence, Cardinal Désiré Tsarahazana, Metropolitan Archbishop of Toamasina and President of the Episcopal Conference of Madagascar, and by the Pastor who presented him with a crucifix and with holy water for sprinkling.  Before beginning the meeting, the Pope stopped briefly to pray in front of the Blessed Sacrament.


Following a few words of introduction offered by the President of the Episcopal Conference of Madagascar, the Holy Father shared his speech.


At the conclusion of his speech, after having individually greeted the Bishops who were present, the Archbishop of Antananarivo, His Excellency, Odon Marie Arséne Razanakolona, introduced the Pope to the religious leaders of various Christian confessions who belong to the Ecumenical Council of Christian Churches of Madagascar.  This Council presented the Pope with a bible in the ecumenical tradition and a typical Malagasy coat.


Speech of the Holy Father, Pope Francis
during the meeting with Bishops of Madagascar

...
Testo originale nella lingua italiana
Texto en español



At the conclusion of the meeting with the Bishops of Madagascar, at 5:10pm local time (12:10pm EDT), the Pope went to the Chapel at the front of the Cathedral of Andohalo to visit the tomb of Blessed Victoire Rasoamanarivo, where he paused in silent prayer.  Then, he travelled to the Diocese of Soamandrakizay field where a Vigil with Young people was taking place.

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