A day perhaps less busy and eventful than the previous one but nonetheless highly symbolic was October 7th, the fourth day of Fr. General’s visit to Madagascar. All events took place in Fianarantsoa, a city that is home to several Jesuit apostolates like Antananarivo. One major event was the mass he concelebrated with several Jesuits along with some diocesan priests in College of Saint Francois-Xavier. It was a lively ceremony full of dancing and chanting performed by pupils and adults. As a reminder, College Saint Francois-Xavier educates 2250 pupils with the help of over 170 staff and personnel, Jesuits included. Fr. General’s homily concentrated on the Archangel Gabriel’s annunciation to Mary of her maternity (Luke 1: 26-38). The superior of the Jesuit order pointed out how Mary’s audacity in accepting what the Lord asks of her, places before us the challenge of putting our trust in the Lord alone. “This scene indicates that what seems impossible to us – a virgin mother, a child son of God, savior of all humanity – is possible to God.” Right after the Eucharist, Fr. General’s delegation proceeded to the laying of the first stone of College Saint Francois Xavier’s primary school whose construction would be the focus of the institution for the next several months.
