SFO NATIONAL ELECTIVE CHAPTER/CONGRESS OF MADAGASCAR.

30 JULY  -  03 AUGUST 2007. 

Hervé Sylva SFO
Fr. Samy Irudaya OFMCap.

 Delegated by the SFO General Minister, Hervé Sylva, Presidency Member (French Language) presided over the National Elective Chapter of Madagascar, assisted by Fr. Samy Irudaya OFMCap. representing the Conference of the General Assistants.

 This Elective Chapter together with Congress was a great occasion, for the Franciscan Family in Madagascar, to live together and exchanged their rich experiences from 30^th. July to 03^rd. August at Finarantsoa in the Franciscan Parish of St. Francis and Santa Clara of Assisi.  Fr. Pascal,   the National Spiritual Assistant is also in charge of that church.

 Some 500 people comprising of SFO brothers and sisters, Youfra, Fioretti, Priests, Friars, Spiritual Assistants and Nuns of different Franciscan denominations came from regions of the north, centre and south of Madagascar, where most of the SFO Fraternities are found. All, with their different cultures, traditions, languages, status and social situations were accommodated in St. Francis of Assisi school for at least five days and celebrated meaningful brotherhood.

 Divided into four groups, they slept, without distinction, on the floor spread with grass and covered with mats made of dry leaves. They all shared the same kitchen and common toilets especially set up for this occasion. All, including Friars and Nuns, joyfully queue up  for the meals. It was a lesson of humility and simplicity worth experiencing.

 What a big organization! Without any apparent problem, Fr. Pascal arranged everything well. Oxen and pigs were brought and killed on the spot. Many  bags of rice and sweet potatoes were cooked  and served in a pure Malagasy tradition. 

On the 30^th. July, Father Gervais Razafitoazaza, the Vicar General, delegated by the Bishop of the diocese, celebrated the Holy Eucharist to open the Elective Chapter/Congress. He was assisted by some ten priests present, including Fr. Pascal and Samy and the Spiritual Assistants. 

The formation session, animated by Hervé and Fr, Samy, on the theme “Complementarity and collaboration of the three branches (SFO, YOUFRA and FIORETTI) in Franciscan Order” was held in Saint Francis and Santa Clara church, the only venue for the Elective Chapter meetings. One of the main difficulties was communications. The SFO Fraternities and its members are situated far distant apart, but they were told that the Rules, the General Constitutions and their National Statutes are the same and should remain the common link among them. These must be learned and put into practice. The particularities of the country to observe the rules and the constitutions are stipulated in their statutes approved by the CIOFS. They must stick to it and remain in the Franciscan SFO family around the world and not in a Franciscan Malagasy isolated National Fraternity. In view of the disparity of age, education and modern trend an appeal was made to young members, especially young couples, to adapt themselves to the situations, to be compassionate, helpful and understandable. They may have their own program and sessions but remain in the same established Fraternity.  They were very receptive and attentive. Questions were asked and clarifications were given. A young diocesan priest, ex Youfra, and a Youfra girl helped for the translations.

 Another information and formation session was held on the following day, 1^st. August, by Hervé and Fr. Samy on the issue of elections of the National Minister and other members, followed by the Elections of the National Fraternity. Jean Hambabe was elected National Minister and Hortense Ranaivojaona reelected as International Councellor.

 Another important event “The Pardon of Assisi”, was scheduled on the 2^nd. August, on the occasion of the feast of St. Mary of the Angels of the Portioncula. A pilgrimage of 7 km. on foot was organized starting from the Ambozontany Cathedral of Fianarantsoa to the Leprosy of Marana and back. Confessions were heard and Mass celebrated at St Francis and St. Clara Church at late afternoon same day. The privilege of plenary indulgence could be obtained to those who fully participated to that exercise on that day.

 Hervé Sylva SFO and Fr. Samy Irudaya OFMCap thank all Brothers and Sisters of the Franciscan Family in Madagascar, First Order and Nuns, SFO, YOUFRA, FIORETTI and all those who accommodated, helped, drove them and made their stay pleasant and  possible to conduct  this Elective Chapter and Congress. May God help all those brothers and sisters to remain faithful in Jesus and in their Franciscan Vocation.

 Best wishes to the elected members.
 May God bless them all!