Madagascar, National Maritime Day

Thanks to the work of AOS in promoting World Maritime Day, the Malagasy government has launched a complementary National Maritime Day. Félix Randrianasoavina, National Director of AOS Madagascar, sends us this report.

For some twelve years, AOS Madagascar was responsible for organising national celebrations for World Maritime Day. Last year, the Malagasy government became involved in some of the ceremonies. Consequently, this year the central administration launched National Maritime Day on 5 October 2007.

The main celebrations were held in the port of Diégo-Suarez. An official ceremony was also organised in the port of Toamasina. There, the Secretary General of the Province congratulated the Apostleship of the Sea for its hard work in informing public opinion about the importance of World Maritime Day.

AOS also organised its own celebrations for National Maritime Day. The whole AOS Madagascar “family” gathered together on Sunday 7 October. They watched a presentation about the AOS world congress in Gdynia which included prayers. There was also discussion about the role of the Apostleship of the Sea in the world.

Members of the congregation

Eucharistic celebration

Then the AOS management team gave a lunch in honour of their guests from the various maritime clubs. Lunch was in the form of a picnic which participants shared together at the AOS headquarters. After lunch, the “family” said the Rosary together. The Fr Stanislaw Kazek, AOS port chaplain in Toamasina, celebrated the Eucharist attended by Br Wenceslas of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate.

Presentation of epaulettes

Felix Randrianasoavina and the Chief Officer of the Malagasy Merchant Navy

After the homily, Sr Marguerite Ralimanga, from the Madagascar Province of the Daughters of Wisdom, introduced Sr Georgette to the congregation. Sr Georgette has been chosen by the order to work in maritime mission with AOS. Then Sr Henriette Raharimalalakoto, Superior of the Sisters of Marie Reparatrice, introduced Sr Olga Rahelisoa. Sr Olga replaces Sr Hortense Patricia Hanitriniaina doing community work with the children of the People of the Sea. There was then a promise-making ceremony and presentation of AOS badges.

The Eucharistic Celebration was also the occasion of the blessing of epaulettes. These had been bought in Gdynia during the AOS world conference at the request of the Malagasy Merchant Navy. The epaulettes were presented to ten Merchant Navy officers who are members of the Apostleship of the Sea.

Officers, and a young friend, after Mass

Women during Mass

Félix ends his report with a prayer

Let us give thanks to the Lord for the blessings he has given us, now and always, in the promotion of our maritime ministry in Madagascar.

click here to read more about the work of AOS in Madagascar