On the occasion of the first World Children's Day in Rome (May 25–26, 2024), around 400 children from the parish dedicated to St. Eugene de Mazenod gathered in Fianarantsoa, Madagascar. They too wanted to experience a beautiful day filled with joy and fraternity.

The day included several activities: catechesis, prayer, videos, singing, music, dancing, games, and a shared meal generously provided by my kind benefactors from Italy and France.

It was a wonderful day, spent in the spirit of togetherness, mutual respect, and hospitality. The joy and energy were clearly visible on the faces of all the children, who were both protagonists and builders of the true beauty of living together in harmony

Throughout the day, their voices echoed the well-known refrain of the celebrated song Evenou Shalom Alerhem ("We Announce Peace to You"). It was the children’s heartfelt wish for peace in today’s world.

Pope Francis, in his message addressed to children worldwide, wrote:
"You remind us that we are all children and siblings, that no one can exist without someone who brought them into the world, and that no one can grow without others to give and receive love. (...) You are also the joy of humanity and of the Church, where everyone is like a link in a very long chain stretching from the past to the future and spanning the whole earth. (...) Dear children, we cannot be happy alone, because joy grows the more we share it. It is born of gratitude for the gifts we have received and share with others."

THANK YOU to the benefactors for their generous and supportive gesture.

Fr. Alfonso Bartolotta OMI