« I would rather decapitate myself than to turn back » - Words of Bp. Henri de Solages

A large group of pilgrims arrived at Andovoranto on December 2, 2017, to commemorate Bishop Henri de Solages. Located there are his grave, his place of eternal rest, and a chapel built by the bishop’s family.

A large crowd of faithful from the diocese of Toamasina came to the rural Andovoranto, to welcome Bishop Paolo Rocco Gualtieri, the apostolic nuncio of Madagascar, in the presence of the archbishop of the province of Alba, and Archbishop Desire Tsarahazana, the archbishop of Tamatave.

A vigil took place in front of the chapel, including prayers and testimony of three diocesan seminarians: Tantely Odilon, Julian Marius, and Serge, who received their ordination to the diaconate on December 3, 2017, from the hands of the nuncio.

The apostolic nuncio presided over the liturgy in French. The faithful could follow along on the specially prepared pamphlets.

They took with them unforgettable memories of the visit of the apostolic nuncio, of the ordination of deacons, and the presence of the archbishop of Alba.

The tiredness, heat, hunger, and thirst never stopped the passionate Christians from going on the pilgrimage to Andovoranto.

M. RAKOTOARIVO Guy
Treasurer of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish