WORKING WITH THE LESS FORTUNATE, ENHANCING THEIR SELF-ESTFEM THROUGH AN OVERALL EDUCATION, TRAIN-ING FUTURE LEADERS, BRIEFLY, THIS HAS BEEN THE MIC MISSION IN MADAGASCAR FOR THE PAST 54 YEARS. CURRENTLY, THERE ARE 50 MADAGASCAN SISTERS OF WHICH 25 ARE IN THEIR FORMATION YEARS. THE FORTH-COMING RELIGIOUS BRING ABOUT HOPE FOR THE FUTURE OF THE LOCAL CHURCH AND THE MIC COMMUNITY.
by Jeanne-Marthe Razanadrasoa, m.i.c.

In response to a need in the Antsirabe area, the construction of a Centre for Human and Christian Development has recently corne to birth. This project arouses much interest as it will touch the lives of many. Our priority at the Centre will be: preparing women to their role in local development. The plot of land we have acquired will allow us to teach forms of agriculture. Cultivation will be a source of revenue, as of now, litde is the income of the Sisters in this area. For security purposes a wall has just been completed around the field.The Centre will also offer retreats, sessions and leadership training programs; young women will be educated for their future. Here, the initial formation to religious life will be given and it will be a meeting place for all the Sisters.

SR. ERIKA'S TESTIMONY

As an echo of the above mentioned project, a young Madagascan MIC, Sr. Erika Hanitranirina gives us an overview of her professional and religious formation. I am studying at the National Institute of Pedagogical Formation (INFP) in Mahamasina, in order to become an elementary school guidance counsellor in Antananarivo. This year, I will be completing my studies with a presentation of teaching materials for an evaluation of the discipline. I am also finishing my thesis on Teaching Strategies and School Inequalities. I treat this theme within the framework sociology and education, psychosociology of education, as well as training analysis. I chose this theme as it relates to the thinking of our Foundress, Délia Tétreault, who said: May they in turn sing the Magnificat. Confronted with all forms of inequalities which exist in our schools and faced with so many injustices, how can young people sing the Magnificat? This is the reason why I have oriented my studies towards the teaching field.

I thank my community in allowing me to pursue my studies. I have only one objective - to accomplish the word of DÉlia: Do everything for the greater Glory of God. Studying gives me the opportunity to serve with joy, the Institute, the Church and the Madagascan people.

IN THE MIDST OF AN INTERCULTURAL REALITY

During my training at INFP in Mahamasina, I have had many experiences. My graduating class is composed of many different ethnic groups from six provinces of Madagascar. They are also from various religious backgrounds (Catholic, Protestant, Anglican, Adventist, Muslim) and several sects. This situation allows me to be a witness to my faith in the resurrected Christ who chose me to follow Him in the religious missionary life. The dialogues that take place confirm me in my choice and determination to continue my path, in offering my life to God and for His Kingdom. My colleagues are interested in my way-of-life and ask about religious life. I use this opportunity to tell them more about my Institute of which I am very proud.

MAINTAINING A WELL-BALANCED LIFE

The student situation I find myself in also allows me to balance my personal life with my community and apostolic life. I am convinced that my reason for living is my communion with the Trinity. Everything fiows from my deep relationship with God, a relationship that gives me joy and boldness in my daily Community services, studies and apostolic work in the parish are all important ingredients for a young missionary who is in her training years.

At the parish, I am the spiritual advisor of the Children of Mary or Snak'i Masina Maria. On Saturday mornings they pray the Marian Service togethet: Every time I am with them, I feel great joy in my heart. Their sharing of faith experiences consolidates my own faith and my attachment to Christ. Through our dialogues, I also discover their joy and their hope. These encounters are an unforgettable ge for me, because they make me aware of my active participation in their spiritual life.

I help them to deepen their relationship with the Lord and the Blessed Virgin. It touches my heart and sparks the apostolic and missionary zeal in me. I am also happy to do my part in the kitchen on Sundays and help in the community chores. In all these activities, no matter how small, I express my gratitude and my belonging to the MIC Community and to the Church.

The spiritual accompaniment with my superior helps me to take charge of my life with a greater awareness of my deep inner self as well as my relationship with God and others.

My final word consists in thanking the Lord who led me to the MIC Institute in order to help me follow Him in a spirit of thanksgiving. No matter where I am, may I always love Him and His Mother Mary.

Sr. Erika's testimony tells us of the importance of religious and professional training for our young Madagascan Sisters. The Centre for Human and Christian Development in Antsirabe is a necessity for the MIC Community and for Madagascar.

Your help would be precious in turning this project into a reality and allowing us to continue our Mission with a hopeful outlook into the future.