The entire Mazenodian family, OMI and AMMI (Missionary Association of Immaculate Mary), in Madagascar continues the missionary pilgrimage "with our hearts burning" like the disciples of Emmaus; turning "towards a new vision, a new hope, and a new energy.”

We would like, dear readers, to joyfully share the echo of the national meeting of the AMMI that took place from April 5 to 6, 2024, in Toamasina. At a glance, the pastoral scene is evolving and even provides hope because more than eighty lay associates joined the oblates to experience this event, which coincided with the ordinations of 2 deacons and 4 oblate priests. This further revived the zeal and motivation of the AMMI. The principle and objective of the association are already set. Thanks to the efforts of Fr. Olivier OMI, the national responsible of the AMMI in Madagascar, who was able to contact the oblates in each mission where they work, he was able to mobilize and re-energize this association.

How did this two-day meeting in Toamasina go?

Each participant managed to arrive on Thursday, April 4, 2024, in Toamasina. We accommodated them at the school of the sisters of Saint Joseph of Cluny, not far from the Notre Dame de Lourdes (NDL) parish, where the conference took place.

Opening Words and OMI Charism for the AMMI

On Friday, April 5, Fr. Alphonse RAKOTONDRAVELO OMI, the Superior of the Delegation, assisted by members of the Notre Dame de Lourdes community, opened the meeting with a welcoming speech. He emphasized the importance of the AMMI within and for the Congregation as well as for the Church. He outlined how the Association could meet the expectations of the Congregation, even the Church, and how it operates elsewhere in the oblate world.

Subsequently, Fr. Olivier, assisted by Fr. Fabien OMI and Fr. Bruno OMI, gave teachings on the charism, spirituality, and oblate values.

We discussed our charism with the lay associates starting from "The power of Christ," which compels us to reconsider the very source of the Congregation's history. "The story of a young man, Eugène de Mazenod. Throughout his life, he experienced, within himself, the merciful love of God, manifested in Jesus Christ, the crucified Savior. Inspired by our Founder, we also recognize the power of CHRIST in us, and we want to EVANGELIZE, that is, to make Him known and show, through our life, the joy of the Good News." We also touched on the love of the Church and the poor as two prominent points in the oblate charism. "From his encounter with Jesus on the cross, he was moved by the deplorable situation of the CHURCH in his time, and felt called to rekindle the flame of faith that was dying in the hearts of his children, especially, the poor. That is why we address ourselves primarily to the POOR to bring them this message of liberating joy: to the most abandoned human beings, those whose situation cries out for God's justice".

Missionaries on a pilgrimage: OMI as well as AMMI

When we talk about missionaries, this term refers to being available at all times. Thus, the AMMI is invited to walk together with the oblates as pilgrims, according to the spirit that animates the Congregation since the last general Chapter. In other words, they are called to be available in all activities, such as visiting the sick, supporting priests where they work, and much more, because, religious or lay, "we are missionaries" above all, according to our charism. Pope Pius XI described us as "Specialists of the Church's difficult missions." Aware of this common vocation, whether oblate laypeople or religious, we want to dedicate our lives to all those who do not know Jesus Christ, or who have forgotten Him in their lives; especially starting in our respective missions. Indeed, it is in mission that we continue our journey towards holiness.

Religious Oblates and Associate Oblates

The associate laypeople are truly eager to understand the meaning of “oblate”: what does this term refer to? We are all “OBLATES.” This means that we are missionaries who dedicate ourselves entirely to God. More specifically, we serve God through the Church and the poor in an unconditional and selfless manner. Consecrated Life is the "framework" in which we live our oblation. 'Oblation' means a radical commitment, without reservation, to work with Christ, for the fulfilment of His mission. Together as a community, we dedicate our lives to building the family of God's children. For the laypeople, they attach themselves to the Oblates by incorporating the charism of the Founder as well as his spirituality. They express this belonging to the oblate family through their spiritual and material support of the missionaries.

The Name Mary Immaculate for the AMMI

We emphasized to them that we are Missionary Oblates of MARY IMMACULATE. By this name, Mary is our model, our Patron, and our Mother. In her, we see Christ, we see God. In her “fiat,” she shows us how to cooperate with God's Will; and how to live the death of Jesus, so as to partake in his resurrection. We, Oblates, live our mission with her in order to "bring back to the bosom of the Mother of Mercy those children whom Christ on the Cross wanted to give her." (Pope Leo XII)

Visiting oblate works

The conference focused mainly on sharing our charism. The associate laypeople are further reassured about their choice to live in the Mazenodian family. We did not forget to materialize this communion in the mission. Indeed, in the afternoon, they were able to visit the oblate works: parishes and the formation house (pre-novitiate at Tanamakoa) in the city of Toamasina. This visit allowed them to learn a bit more about the mission field of the oblates.

On Saturday, April 6, in the morning, Fr. Lucien OMI briefly spoke about the history of Saint Eugène de Mazenod. Who is he? (Saint Eugène) and what did he do as a step for the oblates to come into being? Fr. Anselme OMI shared his pastoral experience and the history of the AMMI in Madagascar. This association is quite recent but has already found the path to follow for the success of the pastoral.

Election of coordinator office members

The afternoon was dedicated to electing the coordinator office, responsible for AMMI-Madagascar. The voting of the office members at the national level went well; joy was visible on everyone's faces. During the assembly, we were able to assess what has been done and project the challenges for the future. We will try to organize a meeting in Morondava in 2025 to foster good relations among the members of the Mazenodian family and to work together for the smooth running of the oblate pastoral.

The word of thanks goes to all the participants, laypeople, or priests. Particularly to Fr. Alphonse, the superior of the OMI Delegation in Madagascar, who enabled the organization of this national assembly for the AMMI. Thanks to Fr. Olivier, who ensured and facilitated the overall organization. The oblate priests who are concerned about this association, and who are always beside the AMMI to supervise and guide it.

Fr. Lucien RAKOTOARISOA omi

Fr. Olivier ANDRIANARISOA omi