Akamasoa, the Village of Hope
 

Sunday, June 2nd. Solemnity of the Holy Sacrament. After 14 years, I had the privilege of visiting Akamasoa once more, the Village of Hope founded by the renowned Fr. Pedro. I had hoped to see him again, but he was away in Europe, sharing his testimony of faith. I introduced myself to his successor, Fr. Antoine, to ask if I could concelebrate the Mass with him. His response was not only positive, but he also invited me to address a message to the approximately 5,000 children gathered in the large hangar-church after the Gospel.

I felt the same immense joy as the first time, surrounded by a jubilant crowd of children and adolescents, akin to being in a stadium, all gathered to give thanks to God and pray for peace in the world. Before the final blessing, I was invited to say farewell and share a closing word with the entire assembly. This Sunday, like the one in 2010, will remain unforgettable and deeply engraved in my heart.

On Mission in Marolambo
 

From June 4 to 13. This marks the tenth and final discovery visit to missions where the Oblate missionaries have been present since 1980. Marolambo is also the largest mission area, serving approximately 200 Christian communities, and the most remote due to its challenging access. Most villages can only be reached by motorcycle or on foot, requiring long hours of trekking through hills, mountains, forests, and rivers.

To reach Marolambo, I traveled with my confrere, Fr. Léonce, in a small humanitarian plane operated by the Lutheran Church, which occasionally delivers medicine to the hospital and health centers. The nine-seater plane and short flight (45 minutes) allowed us to fly over and admire a part of the vast Indian Ocean island – Madagascar seen from the sky – and especially to take in the immensity of the land, the beauty of nature, its colors, and its uniquely diverse landscapes. The lush greenery was majestic: the ground, covered with various trees and shrubs, gradually revealed a vast forest. Occasionally, sparkling rivers would appear, like golden threads shimmering in the sunlight, alongside small houses and villages nestled in breathtaking natural surroundings. Finally, we landed on a short paved runway in the heart of nature, near the mission where seven Oblate missionaries reside.
 
At weekday Masses – held at 6:30 a.m. or 6:00 p.m. – attendance ranges from 150 to 300 faithful. Everyone arrives on time, eager to grow in faith, pray, and sing together, forming a genuine believing and Christian community.
 
On the Road to Ankidona
              

Saturday, June 8th. I set out with my confrere, Fr. Hyacinthe, recently ordained as a priest. For both of us, it was our first time discovering the village and Christian community of Angodona, located four hours away on foot, with three of those hours through the forest.

A catechist and three young villagers came to meet us and accompanied us along the way. After an hour of walking along a wide dirt path under the red sun, we faced a steep 45-minute climb, one behind the other, leading us gradually into the forest. Fortunately, the paths were dry, though there were several streams and small rivers to cross, including two “bridges”—essentially tree trunks—requiring careful balance. Transitioning from the sunny areas to the cool, humid shade of the lush forest, the paths grew narrower, the vegetation denser, and we brushed past grasses and shrubs of all kinds. The breathtaking natural beauty helped erase the fatigue caused by the heat and winding trails.

We completed our journey after sunset. The glow from torches and mobile phones lit our way, helping us avoid slipping. Voices in the darkness reassured us, signaling that we were nearing the village. However, one final challenge awaited us: before reaching the village, we had to wade through a pond, water up to our knees, encouraged by the songs of unseen villagers in the night

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Puis tous les gens, comme lors d’une procession, nous accompagnent jusqu’à la maison en chantant et en frappant des mains. C'est vraiment touchant de voir un accueil si chaleureux et joyeux envers les missionnaires. Une phrase de l’ancien et du nouveau testament me revient à l’esprit : « Comme ils sont beaux sur les montagnes, les pas du messager, celui qui annonce la paix, qui porte la bonne nouvelle, qui annonce le salut, et vient dire à Sion : Il règne, ton Dieu! » (Is 52, 7).  
« Comment proclamer sans être envoyé ? Il est écrit : Comme ils sont beaux, les pas des messagers qui annoncent les bonnes nouvelles ! » (Rom 10, 15).
 
Dès l’arrivée, nous avons droit à une tasse de café ou de thé traditionnels et à la dégustation de beignets ; ensuite un simple et fraternel dîner avec les responsables. La nuit se passe bien, bercés par le silence de ce village si enclavé.
 
Dimanche 9 juin, nous nous mettons à la disposition de ceux qui veulent recevoir le sacrement de la réconciliation. Puis la messe dans l'église en bois et ses bancs en bambou ; une célébration de 2 heures bien animée par la chorale pour une assemblée d'environ 250 fidèles, dont beaucoup d'enfants et une douzaine d'enfants de chœur. À la fin de la messe, plusieurs discours de remerciements de la part des responsables de la communauté chrétienne. La dernière nuit, nous sommes bercés par le rythme irrégulier de la pluie qui résonne sur le toit en tôle de notre case.

Monday, June 10th. In the morning, just like on our way there, we were accompanied back by the villagers. The three-hour walk through the forest was more challenging this time, as the paths were muddy and slippery. Extra caution was needed to ensure a safe return.

On the Road to Ambinanisanaho

Around noon, we arrived on the large red dirt road to visit the village of Ambinanisanaho, where the Christian community greeted us with songs. At about 3:00 p.m., we gathered in the wooden church to celebrate Mass with around forty faithful, accompanied by five altar servers.
 
The return to Marolambo
 

Tuesday, June 11th. The catechist and two teenagers accompanied us back to the mission, a one-hour walk from the often muddy red dirt road.

Wednesday, June 12th. During my final Mass at 6:00 p.m. with the village assembly, the Christian community leader expressed his gratitude for my visit and stay among them. As a farewell gesture, a woman placed a Malagasy hat on my head and tied a traditional cloth around my waist. In return, I shared my heartfelt gratitude and joy for discovering this vast and beautiful mission. I assured them of my prayers and entrusted myself to theirs.

The evening concluded with a friendly meal with my confreres, who expressed their joy by gifting me a bottle of honey and another cloth.
 

Thursday, June 13th. After the 6:30 a.m. Mass, we completed the final preparations for the return flight to the capital with my confrere, Élysée. In the small plane, there were four passengers, the pilot, and a significant amount of cargo. The 45-minute flight offered a spectacle of pure beauty: a magnificent natural panorama unfolded before our eyes, allowing us to admire the splendor of creation one last time, illuminated by the radiant sun.

„Let the earth bless the Lord;
to him be highest glory and eternal praise!
Mountains and hills, bless the Lord;
all plants of the earth, bless the Lord;
springs and fountains, bless the Lord!
Seas and rivers, bless the Lord! !” (Dn 3, 74-78).

After eight months of missionary discovery and experience in Madagascar, I, too, bless the Lord, my confreres, benefactors, and all those I have met. To him, be highest glory and eternal praise !

Fr. Alfonso Bartolotta OMI