Polscy oblaci na Madagaskarze (1980-2005)

Polish oblates began evangelization in Madagascar in 1980. In the first few years of their work they took on some of the missions in the diocese of Toamasina (Tamatave), situated on the east coast of the island, populated by the Betsimisaraka tribe. The oblates oversaw Marolambo, Ambinanindrano, Mahanoro, Masomeloka, Marotsiryry missions and the parish in Toamasina which was served before by the missionaries from France. After ten years of their missionary work there they began to open new missions in other parts of the island: in Tsaratanana, in the capital city Antananarivo and in Fianarantsoa. The Polish oblates from the very beginning were looking for lay coworkers (associates) who will have the spirit of sacrifice, deep inner convictions and willingness to proclaim those truths that became part of their own life. The closest coworkers were lay catechists trained in a few catechetical centres directed by the Polish oblates. The main focus of their missionary work was: small communities (Comunidades de Base ), different catholic gro¬ups, health centres and variety of charitable services. In a very special way they always took care of the Sacramental life of their communities and from the beginning their focus was to promote vocations to the religious and priestly life. In the years 1980-2005, all together 34 Polish oblates worked in Madagascar. Now Polish delegation of the oblates has 60 members: 21 Poles (19 fathers and 2 brothers), 39 Malagasy (8 fathers, 20 scholastics, 2 brothers and novices).