Reforestacion in Madagascar the green Island

In recent years, due to bush fires, deforestation and illegal logging, Madagascar has been losing its reputation as a green island. These environmental degradations are causing global warming, making nature suffer once again. Aware of this ecological disaster, the government, or rather the President of the Republic has inaugurated a national reforestation day inviting all its citizens to participate. This day took place on Sunday 19 January. 

For the Catholic Church, reforestation is part of its mission every year. To respond to this call of the State and to unite with all the Malagasy people who are fighting against global warming and to give back value to our great green island, the Catholic Christians of the Diocese of Fianarantsoa met all together on Saturday, January 18 to plant trees. On the hills of Ambalataratasy, from the smallest to the biggest, civil and military, Church and State authorities, we were all there to participate. 

The day began with a prayer led by Archbishop Rabemahafaly Fulgence, our archbishop, followed by the blessing of the young plants.  This was followed by a speech by the head of our region. 

Afterwards each one took one or two small plants to plant.  This time ended with a word of thanks and the blessing of the archbishop. We planted 5,000 eucalyptus trees. As the Malagasy proverbs say,
“The young who plant trees will have shade as they grow old.”
“The old man who plants a tree leaves a future for his descendants.”   

Josiane and Odile Little siters of the Assumption