My experience visiting the Vincentian Family in Africa reached its culmination in Madagascar—this fascinating island, full of contrasts and challenges, yet overflowing with life, hope, and signs of the Spirit.

It is impossible to forget that Madagascar was the starting point of the missionary journey of the Vincentian charism outside France and Europe. The first missionaries, sent by Saint Vincent himself, were Fathers Nacquart and Gondrée. The latter died in May 1649, and the former in May 1650. After Father Nacquart’s death, Saint Vincent was unable to send more missionaries for four years. The second expedition took place in March 1654. Three missionaries were sent: Fathers Mousnier and Bourdaise, and Brother René Foret. The Vincentian charism in Madagascar is now approaching 400 years of history. What joy—and what a great responsibility!

Leadership and Members of the Vincentian Family in Madagascar

In the capital city, Antananarivo, I was warmly welcomed by my confreres and later by the leadership of the Vincentian Family. We held a profound meeting on the current state of our charism family in the world, with particular attention to the African continent, and reflected together on some of the conclusions of the Second Convocation held in Rome in 2024.

The following day, I had the opportunity to share a formation and reflection session with members of different branches of the Vincentian Family, especially young people belonging to the Vincentian Marian Youth. Together we meditated on our common vocation as members of the Vincentian Family—a vocation that is nothing less than a call to life and mission through the eyes and heart of Saint Vincent de Paul, in service of Christ in the poor.

Members of the Vincentian Marian Youth in Madagascar

During those days, I also visited several communities, highlighting two particularly meaningful moments: Saturday with the Daughters of Charity, and Sunday with the Nazarene Sisters. In both encounters, the communities gathered fraternally to reflect on the fruits of this visit and to share common concerns—both within the context of Madagascar and in connection with the challenges faced by other countries on the African continent.

Daughters of Charity and Nazarene Sisters in Antananarivo

A Country in Effervescence: Youth, Protest, and Dignity

Madagascar is currently going through a complex social situation. The country has been shaken by massive youth protests, in which thousands of young people are demanding fundamental rights: access to clean water, energy, education, and decent work opportunities. In my conversations with the different branches of the Vincentian Family, these cries were deeply present. We reflected together on the profound meaning of these demonstrations—not only as social claims but as an authentic “sign of the times.”

Young people are awakening to a new awareness of their historical role, full of dreams and desires for transformation. In this context, we recognize the danger that certain political actors may try to manipulate this movement for their own interests. However, the Church and the Vincentian Family have the prophetic mission to accompany, read, discern, and, as far as possible, guide these quests for freedom, justice, and new life with dignity for all.

Pilgrimage to Akamasoa: The Jubilee of Hope

On Sunday, October 5, I decided to make a spiritual pilgrimage to Akamasoa, to personally celebrate there the Jubilee of Hope. Accompanied by the Visitor of Madagascar and the confreres of the Antananarivo community, we set out for this emblematic place which, since its foundation, has been a light shining amid many shadows. There we were welcomed by our beloved confrere Pedro Opeka, C.M.—the soul and heart of this work of God. With him, we had the opportunity to celebrate the 50th anniversary of his priestly ordination and the 400th anniversary of the founding of the Congregation of the Mission.

Father Pedro Opeka: Reflection and Welcome to Delegations from Around the World Visiting Akamasoa

The Eucharistic celebration was a moment of profound beauty. Malagasy culture and liturgy intertwined in a harmonious and vibrant way. Songs, dances, and gestures revealed how deeply faith can be incarnated within a people. Children, youth, and entire families participated with great enthusiasm, and at the end, we shared a fraternal meal with some leaders and young members of the community.

Akamasoa: A Sign for the Church and for the World

Akamasoa is not merely a social project. It is a prophetic sign—a living parable of the Kingdom. Here, it becomes visible that the transformation of the lives of the poor is not only possible but a living hope for all peoples who suffer exclusion, discrimination, and invisibility.

Since its beginnings, this community has been visited by religious leaders, heads of state, scholars, and international organizations, all seeking to understand what is happening in this corner of the world. Because Akamasoa challenges us—it speaks forcefully about what becomes possible when solidarity, faith, and work intertwine with a clear vision of the human being as the protagonist of his own story.

Akamasoa is, in its own way, a new Galilee: a place where the poor not only receive help but become agents of transformation—builders of community, educators, leaders, dreamers, and creators of the future. The lay, the feminine, and the youthful dimensions play a central role here. It is not a ministry “for” the poor, but rather “from” the poor and “with” the poor.

Education for Leadership: Saint Vincent de Paul University

A fundamental element in this vision is education as an agent of transformation in the lives of the poor. From primary school to Saint Vincent de Paul University in Akamasoa, future leaders are being formed—not only for this community but for many others throughout Madagascar. There, education becomes a tool of empowerment, a means of affirming human dignity, and a preparation for active, critical, and committed citizenship.

To form leaders from the concrete experience of overcoming poverty is not only an educational act—it is profoundly evangelical. For those who have suffered marginalization most deeply are often those most capable of dreaming new horizons for their people.

Saint Vincent de Paul University, Akamasoa

Madagascar: Returning to the Roots, Embracing the Future

The experience in Madagascar has been a return to the missionary roots of the Vincentian charism, but also a gaze full of hope toward the future. From Antananarivo to Akamasoa—from the youthful faces of the VMY to the dedicated hands of members of the various branches of the Vincentian Family—I have witnessed a living, dynamic charism, deeply incarnated in concrete reality.

Eucharistic Celebration: Words of Gratitude for This Pilgrimage

Madagascar invites us all to listen attentively to the voices of the poor, to let ourselves be challenged by their cries, to discern the signs of hope that spring forth even amid crises, and to continue believing—as Saint Vincent did—that love is infinitely creative, and that charity, when it becomes inventive, turns into the driving force of systemic change that transforms the world.

Fr. Memo Campuzano, CM