Towards the end of the courses at the Grand Seminary St. John the Baptist, where we study philosophy and theology, or towards the end of the regency stage (in May), each scholastic who wishes to continue the formation submits a request for the renewal of vows to the Superior of the Delegation. This request shows that the young person is ready to enter more deeply into the consecrated life dedicated to the Triune God. The Delegation Council reviews our requests and decides who may continue on the journey and who cannot.

After the one-month internship and then the one-month vacation (July and August), we, those admitted to the renewal of vows, have a five-day retreat. This year, the retreat took place at the Jesuit center, St. John Spiritual Center, right next to our house, from September 2 to 7. Fr. MAHAFENO Ueshiba Lordino OMI, a Malagasy missionary in Cameroon, on vacation in Madagascar, preached the retreat on the theme: "Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus" (Phil. 2:5). We meditated on this theme centered on the love of Christ and the intrinsic imitation of His life (Phil. 2:1-10).

Each day, the preacher presented a new chapter and a thought for meditation. On the first day, we meditated on "the imitation of Christ," on the second day, "Religious life as a true sign of contradiction," while on the third day, "The evangelical counsels as an effective means to sanctification." On the fourth and fifth days, we meditated on the vows: chastity, poverty, obedience, and perseverance.

In short, our retreat emphasized incorporation into Jesus Christ as well as living the evangelical counsels to be holy and achieve transcendent happiness.

After these five days of retreat, we, the 17 Scholastics, renewed our vows to the Lord. The Mass was celebrated at the St. Eugene de Mazenod Parish in Sahalava and was presided over by Fr. RANDRIANASOLO Joseph Etienne OMI, our Superior at the Scholasticate. He himself received the renewal of our vows. A few Oblate priests participated in this renewal Mass.

We give thanks to the Lord for accepting our renewal. We also thank everyone who has helped us in any way on our journey—spiritually, financially, intellectually... Rest assured of our prayers !

OMI SCHOLASTICS - Fianarantsoa