Part of the novitiate compound, Toliara, Madagascar

On the feast of the Assumption, August 15, all of the Assumptionists in the diocesan see of Toliara gathered in the novitiate chapel to officially welcome six new novices from different regions of the ‘big island’: Colbert Maric from the diocese of Antsiranana, Patrick from Antsirabe, Fidèle from Miarinarivo, Jean Emilien, Bernardin and Christian Fabrice from the diocese of Fianarantsoa.

At this ceremony each novice presented a symbol of his choice to mark his entrance into this new year and a brief explanation. « My vocation is symbolized by a battery that does not work if it is not charged.  In other words a vocation needs to be charged if it’s going to produce a current. This ‘charging” consists in the moral, intellectual, and, above all, spiritual formation which our formators, outside speakers, and spiritual directors will provide.” Colbert Marick

« I chose an electric clock as my symbol. It runs thanks to the energy provided by a battery. My vocation will ‘run’ thanks to prayer and the formation we receive. Once in a while a clock goes on the blink. At such times, it needs an expert’s advice. My own vocation is similar. At times it can go on the blink, whether it’s my personal life, my community life, or my studies. At such times, I’ll have to consult the master.” Patrick

« I have chosen the Cross as the symbol of my vocation. The Cross has its value in the Christian faith. On it Christ was crucified for the salvation of the ‘many.’ It is the summit of is mission. And I, following in his footsteps, desiring to be a missionary of the gospel, I know the road will not be easy. Jesus foresaw this when he sent out his disciples. So, to follow Christ means taking up one’s cross take after day. No matter what, the Cross will remain my strength ». Bernardin

Now meet the new class of novices, where they are from, and their favorite Scripture passage.

Jean Emilien RANDRIANANTENAINA
Date of birth:  May 5, 1994
Diocese: Fianarantsoa
Scripture passage: “Behold, I come to do your will.” Heb 10:9

Fidèle RANDRIANARIMANANA
Date of birth: March 7, 1993
Diocese: MIARINARIVO
Scripture passage: God is faithful, and by him you were called to fellowship
with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.” I Cor 1:9

Henintsoa Patrick RAKOTOSOLOFO
Date of birth: March 31, 1995
Diocese: ANTSIRABE
Scripture passage: "Your will be done, on earth as in heaven." Mt 6:10b

Christien Fabrice ANDRIAMALALARSON
Date of birth: July 6, 1995
Diocese: Fianarantsoa
Scripture passage: "I have called you by name: you are mine." Is 43:1

Georges Bernardin RABENANDRASANA
Date of birth: January 21, 1995
Diocese: FIANARANTSOA
Scripture passage: “Only in the LORD are just deeds and power.” Is 45:24a

Colbert Marick SOANDAZA
Date of birth: December 11, 1991
Diocese: Antsiranana
Scripture passage: “… a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles in performing
the priestly service of the gospel of God.” Rom 15:16a

(This article originally appeared in the newsletter of the Province of Madagascar, Vaovao Madagasikara, September 2016)