wfn.org | ACNS News from the Diocese of Antsiranana - Indian Ocean

[Worldwide Faith News <wfn@igc.org>]

ACNS 4087     |     INDIAN OCEAN      |     15 DECEMBER 2005

News from the Diocese of Antsiranana - Indian Ocean

Three New Churches Planted

Three new churches have been planted in the Sambava region of the
Diocese of Antsiranana.

The churches were planted in Belambo-Lokoho, Andrafekona and Fanambana
after the opening of the new St. Augustine's educational center,

"Mission and evangelism with the proclamation of the Good News is
imperative," said Bishop Roger Chung Po Chuen. "People are responding
positively and this builds up the assurance of proactive mission."

Bishop Roger confirmed more than a hundred people during a pastoral
visit to the region.

St. Augustine's Center Opens in Sambava

After the Canterbury Educational Center was opened in Antsiranana in
2005, the St. Augustine's Educational Center has now been opened in
Sambava in the eastern region of the diocese.

The eastern and western regions of the diocese are usually cut off from
the outside world for more than six months of the year. The rainy season
renders forest paths impassable.

The Mayor of Sambava and the parish priest, the Rev Leonard Argal,
inaugurated the new educational community center with Bishop Roger Chung
Po Chuen, despite empty shelves and only one computer in sight.

Mr Brian Donaldson, former British ambassador to Madagascar, donated the
computer before the embassy was closed down in August 2005.

"I am appealing to generous donors for books and educational resources,
mainly in English but also in French and Malagasy," said Bishop Roger.

St.Augustine's will also be a stepping stone to literacy programs.
Illiteracy is very high in Madagascar. The church will spearhead new
ventures in educating less favoured groups of the population.

In the eastern region of the diocese, four new schools have been started
in Ampanefena and Antsirabe Nord.

"Even with meagre resources we are engaging in empowerment through
kindergarten, primary and secondary education," said Bishop Roger. "I
also make an appeal for help in that field."

Many of the churches are transformed into schools during weekdays
because there are no classrooms.

"The challenges in this field are gigantic," said Bishop Roger. "Without
generous help, little will be achieved even with the best of goodwill.
So pray that we will receive help for missionary ventures in education."

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