Madagascar celebrates the Franciscan Centenary

The Franciscan Family of Madagascar is celebrating its Franciscan Centenary and, to crown this celebration, the Inter-Franciscan Conference of Madagascar (CIFM) has organised the pilgrimage with a relic of St. Francis of Assisi, ex ceneribus corporis. From the 16th July to the 2nd August 2026, the relic passed through six dioceses of the country in the central, eastern and northwestern regions; the journey ended in Ankaramibe, in the Diocese of Ambanja, on the day of the Pardon of Assisi. 

At each stage, participation was numerous: Masses, vigils and moments of veneration brought together the faithful of the parishes together with priests, postulants, members of the Secular Franciscan Order and religious communities, including Capuchins, Poor Clares, Franciscans of different congregations, Carmelites and Ursulines. The celebrations were presided over by Bishops, a Cardinal and Religious Superiors, whilst in the fraternities and monasteries the prayer vigils offered prolonged moments of recollection. 

On the 2nd August, a Franciscan march and the closing Mass, presided over by the Minister Provincial, concluded the itinerary in an atmosphere of thanksgiving.  During Mass in the Cathedral of Antsirabe, Br. Jean-Pierre Rasolonjanahary, OFM, expressed his joy for the Franciscan Family, because the relic of a great saint has arrived in Madagascar: "From 2023, we celebrate the Franciscan Centenaries, which end this year, 2026. The arrival of the relic is a grace for the Franciscan Family and for all the faithful. May celebrations and pilgrimages bring spiritual graces for all of us." 

The ICFM brings together the Friars Minor, the Capuchin Friars, the Poor Clares, the Secular Franciscan Order, the Franciscan Missionary Sisters of Mary, the Little Franciscans of Mary, the Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate of Palagano, the Franciscan Missionary Sisters of Our Lady, the Franciscan Tertiary Sisters of Blessed Angelina, the Franciscan Sisters Servants of Mary of Blois, the Franciscan Missionary Poor Clares of the Blessed Sacrament and the Capuchin Sisters.