Madagascar : In a momentous celebration of faith, 500 individuals received the sacrament of baptism at the Ankylisathu Catholic Church during the Mission Month of October. The grand ceremony took place on a single day, coinciding with the parish district’s jubilee celebrations, and was graced by the blessings of two bishops from the diocese.
Adding a special glow to the jubilee, an unexpected announcement from the Vatican on the same day marked a turning point in the life of the local superior priest, who was appointed as the new archbishop of a major archdiocese.
Speaking about the event, Monsignor Fabian, President of the Episcopal Conference of Madagascar, said it was “a moment that brings both joy and sadness.” He had come to Ankylisathu to meet the children and young catechumens who came from various villages to receive baptism.
The Ankylisathu parish, under the pastoral care of the CMI congregation since 1987, began when the Lasallette Missionaries handed over its spiritual leadership. The pioneering CMI missionaries included Father Paul Moses, Father Kuriakose Cheeran, and Father Davis. When Father Cheeran retired in 2000, the pastoral responsibility was handed over to the current writer.
At that time, Ankylisathu had no sub stations. Gradually, through evangelization efforts, new chapels and catechetical centers were established in surrounding villages, transforming the parish into a full fledged district.
As the universal Church celebrates the Jubilee Year 2025, the Ankylisathu Parish District also marks its 25th anniversary. The faithful fondly remember the past vicars Father Cheeran, Father Joy, Father Thekkoodan, and Father Rinson for their dedicated service. The parish is now led by Father Sony, with the assistance of Father Jerrin Thottiyan, focusing on pastoral, psychological, and healing ministries.
The parish dispensary, established with special support from Pope Francis, remains a vital part of the community’s service, staffed by sisters from the SD congregation in Kerala.
From a single church 25 years ago, Ankylisathu has now grown into a thriving district with many sub parishes, spreading light both spiritual and social across the surrounding villages. As the community continues to grow, may it keep nurturing faith and hope among all who seek the love of Christ.