Amid these challenges, the Jesuit priest expressed the hope that leaders and citizens in the African countries to be visited will heed to the Holy Father’s prophetic call.
“I hope his prophetic voice will be heard by the political leaders and the people as well. The continent needs a prophet who will speak out for peace and bring hope to people who are eager for a better life and world,” he said.
“As a missionary, the Pope is a person and an apostle of the good news,” Fr. Ratsimbazafy went on to say and added referring to Africa, “The continent needs a prophet who will speak out for peace and bring hope to people who are eager (for) a better life and world.”
In Madagascar, Pope Francis has scheduled a meeting with the Bishops of the world’s second largest island country on September 7 in the Cathedral of Andohalo. On the following day, the Pope will meet priests, religious and seminarians at St. Michael’s college.
Speaking about these meetings, Jesuit Fr. Ratsimbazafy said that Pope Francis “has to support his brothers and sisters who serve the people of God.”
“As a Jesuit, we are happy to meet physically the one who missions his fellow brothers and companions to do the work and the will of God for the good of his people and for the best of the world,” Fr. Ratsimbazafy who is the Provincial Superior of the Jesuits in Madagascar explained to ACI Africa.
In Madagascar, where 25% of the 25.6million population is Catholic spread in 22 dioceses, the Pontiff’s theme is “Sower of Peace and Hope.”
“Songs have been composed about the theme,” Julien Emile Rafenomanana, a native of Madagascar who belongs to the Brothers of the Christian Schools, told ACI Africa and added, “I think hope and peace will be renewed from the visit.”
The logo of the pastoral visit has an image of martyrs and the native baobab and ravenala plant. The plant represents the land of missionaries and faith in Jesus Christ.
The Holy Father will also be meeting government authorities and visit a hospital in Madagascar’s capital, Antananarivo. He will also visit the tomb of Blessed Victoire Rasoamanarivo.
