By: Sister Marie Lydia UDJ
of Madagascar Reality.
On April 12, 2026, in Miarinarivo where the Ursuline Sisters of Jesus began their mission in Madagascar 74 years ago, Sisters Nalina, Arlette, Marcelline, Antoinette and Thérèse of the Child Jesus said their Yes forever to the Lord in the Ursuline Congregation of Jesus. All the sisters of Reality were gathered for the great celebration except some sick and those who have a responsibility that kept them in their place of mission.
The night before, the five sisters gave a testimony about their call and their life in the footsteps of Jesus Christ during a vigil.
The celebration took place at Christ the King Miarinarivo Itasy Cathedral, filled with Christians from the parish, men and women religious from the diocese as well as from other dioceses, the families of the sisters and the members of the family of the Incarnation.
The ceremony, presided over by Monsignor Jean-Claude Rakotoarisoa, began at 9 a.m. with an opening procession with the Ursuline Sisters of Jesus and the parents of the sisters who made profession. It is in prayer, joy, and thanksgiving that we experienced this event that marks the life history of our sisters and that of the entire Congregation.
regulations.
During the celebration, our sisters asked the parents for blessings. They have received this blessing.
Sister Cecilia Rogel, Superior General of the Congregation, welcomed the wishes of our sisters and gave them the alliance as a sign of belonging to the Congregation and followed by a signature of the act of profession. Sister Marie Jeannette Deputy General Councillor of France and Italy,Sister Lucienne Dubray Deputy General Councillor of Madagascar Reality were present. The five sisters were welcomed by the sisters of Reality by making a long chain, hand on shoulder.
In his homily, the bishop first expressed his joy because in his diocese, the Ursuline Sisters of Jesus are present in three communities. They provide great services to the populations of the Itasy Region. The three sisters Arlette, Marcelline and Nalina come from the diocese. As it is Divine Mercy Sunday, he clarified that: “God is love and we have been loved freely. The gratitude that pleases God is our love and our ability to be merciful. We receive infinite love and we must love without expecting anything in return; God's mercy is infinite and we must be merciful without compensation. However, this is not an emotion that Jesus Christ experienced, but a struggle against selfishness, a struggle to open up to others, to always seek the good of the greatest number. God's mercy also invites us to open ourselves to this love. Peace be with you.”
The celebration was followed by the sharing of the fraternal meal animated by all the Malagasy dances presented by the communities and families. The party went well. We walk together in the footsteps of Jesus Christ the Incarnate Word.