Episcopal Visit to Maintirano

Feasting on Zebu Heart!!

I am writing this Substack on a beautiful, sunny, morning in a gazebo in Maintirano Madagascar. I’ve been here for three days visiting the Christians of St Jakoba Parish. Their welcome has been very warm and gracious. When my small Cessna landed on the dirt run way, I could see many Christians with a banner welcoming me to Maintirano. Amongst those gathered was the Prefect of the Province, the Mayor of the City, and the Vicar-General of the Roman Catholic Diocese. They all greeted me with singing and dancing. I was wrapped in the traditional cloth and was given a locally made woven hat. Then we began a parade through the city, with military officers stopping traffic all along the way.

We made our way to the parish church where the civil dignitaries brought words of welcome, as did the parish leadership. After I brought a word of thanks, Father Patrick laid out the schedule for my visit. He announced that the Governor had given a Zebu for my visit and the Christians were then going to butcher it, so that I could have the heart prepared for my lunch – a local custom to honour me. I must admit, I wasn’t terribly excited about this – but I knew that it was the local way to honour me. I knew that I needed to eat it with as much excitement as it was being given to me with (I could hear Neny Sarah saying in my ears “Suck it up, buttercup!”).

After our celebratory lunch I went to visit each of the local dignitaries, both civil and church, and was warmly greeted by each of them. The isolation of Maintirano has caused both the church and the state to come together in wonderful way for the sake of all those who live here. There are clear denominational differences, and political differences, but everyone is working together for the common good! It really is refreshing to see; especially when compared to the divisions so current and negative in the west!

In the evening, I met with the four young people who were to be Confirmed the next morning. My first Confirmation. We had a great time together, talking about the practicalities of the liturgy the next day, but more so, talking about what it means to follow Jesus, to love Him and serve Him. I tried to help them not be nervous, and was honest, that I was a little nervous too! We joked about my poor Malagasy and they promised not to laugh if I messed anything up. Like a wedding, Confirmation is very serious – but should also very joyous! The custom here is, together with the Laying on of Hands, to anoint the comfirmands with Chrism. I was really moved by all of this.

After worship, another feast, then I had the privilege of being present as Samaritan’s Purse Shoe Boxes were handed out. I can’t help but encourage all of you to continue to support Operation Christmas Child – I have seen firsthand the Gospel focused ministry that it is! Whatever your political position, Samaritan’s Purse is doing amazing evangelical work!

I met with the Parish Committee and discussed the strengths and challenges of the parish. What is amazing, is that the parish was closed for three years but Father Patrick has (in four years) rejuvenated the place – yesterday there were 143 souls at worship!! Many of whom were children and young people! Together with his wife, family, and strategic parish leadership, He has done an amazing job!

Today I’m off to the beach to continue feasting on the zebu (It is a holiday here – apparently the Monday after Pentecost is always a holiday!).

Then I will visit the small new church plant come seven kilometers away. Tomorrow morning the MAF flight will come back to Maintirano and deliver us back to Antananarivo. My first Confirmation, my first zebu heart, my first MAF flight, my first visit to Maintirano, my heart is filled with joy! Visiting the Christians in their parishes is absolutely the best part of episcopal ministry!