A historic event took place in our Delegation on September 13. It was the FAMADIHANA, or the exhumation of the remains of our 3 fellow oblates: WISNIEWSKI PIOTR, JOSOASON NIVONJAKA Michel, and RAZANADRAFARA Jean Didier.

What is the FAMADIHANA ?

The famadihana, or exhumation, is one of the most widely practiced and respected customs among a large part of the Malagasy people. Its definition and practice vary depending on the culture, tribe, or region where it is performed. For some, it involves transferring the body of a relative to the family tomb; for others, it is the act of wrapping the deceased’s body in a new shroud (famonosan-damba). This is done every 5, 7, or 9 years... Both practices can be carried out simultaneously.

The famadihana is primarily performed to respect and honor the deceased (ancestors who have passed away and been buried for years) and their bones (Taolambalo). It is also a time for the descendants of the deceased to reunite, strengthening family and social bonds, communion, and solidarity. This event is marked by the sharing of a large, rich meal, often involving the slaughtering of cattle and/or pigs (vary be menaka). Preparation takes a significant amount of time, sometimes years, as the celebration lasts several days.

The FAMADIHANA of the Oblates

Having completed the construction of a new tomb for the Congregation in Fianarantsoa at the St. Eugene de Mazenod Scholasticate a few years ago, and following the Diocese's request to transfer the bodies of deceased Oblates buried in Toamasina, our Delegation organized the Famadihana from September 9 to 13, 2024.

IN TOAMASINA

The famadihana ceremony, also known as "exhumation" or "turning of the dead," began on Monday, September 9, 2024, at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Toamasina. Parishioners and all invited guests gathered there from 1:00 PM, in the presence of the family members of the late Fr. JOSOASON Nivonjaka Michel OMI. The Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate working in Madagascar represented the family of the late Fr. WIŚNIEWSKI Piotr OMI.

The celebration began at 3:00 PM with prayers, followed by the announcement of the detailed program for the event. Shortly afterward, everyone present in the parish grounds began the festivities, dancing as they made their way to the Toamasina cemetery, located about 300 meters from the church.

The tombs of the two deceased were already open, and prayers resumed upon the arrival of the Christian pilgrims at the cemetery. The organizers, led by the Parish Priest, Fr. IMBIRA Wenceslas OMI, the Vicar, Fr. RAKOTOMALALA Jean Rossina OMI, and Fr. ANDRIANARISOA Tiana Mampionona Olivier OMI, Head of the Apostleship of the Sea, along with the members of the Parish Permanent Committee, proceeded with the removal of the coffins.

According to the agreement between the OMI Congregation and the families of the deceased, the latter would wrap the priests’ remains in cloth, as this was their moment to express love and bid their final farewells.

Once the remains were wrapped, they were placed in prepared coffins to facilitate transportation by car to Fianarantsoa. Following this, everyone returned to the church. The remains were placed in the area where the TSIMANDRIMANDRY (a traditional dancing vigil) would take place. All this was carried out with the accompaniment of the MPITSOKA MOZIKA (a professional orchestra from Toamasina) that energized the festivities throughout the afternoon. A professional DJ continued the entertainment during the TSIMANDRIMANDRY, which lasted until morning.

On Tuesday, September 10, 2024, a Mass of thanksgiving and a request for blessings for the transfer of the remains was celebrated by His Eminence Cardinal Désiré TSARAHAZANA. Many people attended, including Christians from other parishes. This was followed by a fraternal lunch organized within the church grounds, where many Christians were invited. At 4:00 PM, the vehicle carrying the families, parish representatives, and the many priests accompanying them set off toward Antananarivo, heading to Fianarantsoa.

IN FIANARANTSOA

On Wednesday, September 11, the body of Fr. Didier RAZANADRAFARA OMI was removed from the tomb and placed on a prepared esplanade while awaiting the arrival of the two bodies from Toamasina on the morning of Thursday, September 12.

As in Toamasina, a vigil, or Tsimandrimandry (featuring dance, songs, and prayers), was also organized in Fianarantsoa. After the arrival of two from Toamasina, a mass presided over by Fr. Alphonse RAKOTONDRAVELO OMI, Madagascar Delegation Superior, took place this Thursday, September 12, 2024.

Friday, September 13, was the historic and unprecedented main day of this event for the Delegation. Bishop Fulgence RABEMAHAFALY, the Bishop of Fianarantsoa, presided over the Eucharistic celebration at 10:00 AM; but before this mass, the Christians of our parish St Eugene de Mazenod (Sahalava) and friends in Fianarantsoa also practiced the "Tsidika", it is the local and tribal tradition of joyfully offering the symbol of unity, communion and solidarity (rice in the small basket, vegetables…).

A large crowd attended: the full Council, led by Fr. Alphonse RAKOTONDRAVELO OMI, the Delegation Superior; fellow oblates; priests from Fianarantsoa city and Toamasina; religious men and women; Christians from Fianarantsoa and Oblate missions/parishes (some traveling from very far, taking more than two days by canoe and car). The presence of the Minister of Population, a daughter of our St. Eugene de Mazenod Parish, along with the Oblate Lay Associates, also marked this event.

During the Mass, Fr. Alphonse OMI summarized the history of the Congregation and its arrival in Madagascar, as well as the lives of the 3 Oblates being honored. The Bishop centered his homily on the Resurrection, using the liturgy of Easter Day. After the Mass, a large meal, “vary be menaka”, was shared, and Fr. Didier’s body was wrapped in new shrouds. Around 3:00 PM, the three bodies were laid to rest in the new tomb, accompanied by music and dancing. Thus, the Oblate famadihana came to an end, marking the conclusion of the grand celebration. Some attendees returned home immediately, while others stayed until Saturday morning.

We give thanks to God for allowing us to fulfill our duty toward our deceased fellow oblates. We also extend our gratitude to everyone who, from near or far, contributed, prepared, participated in, and honored this historic event for our Delegation: fellow oblates (priests, scholastics), Oblate communities, parishes, and missions; priests and religious men and women; Christians and Oblate friends from Toamasina and Fianarantsoa.

This event was a success thanks to God’s mercy and the communion, collaboration, and solidarity of everyone involved! May God bless you !

The Priests, Brother, and Scholastics of OMI
Toamasina and Fianarantsoa