With Mary, pilgrims of hope for young women

The Marianist Sisters' mission in Madagascar focuses on the youth, especially young women who reside with the Sisters and study at the nearby Don Bosco University.

Sr. Paola Brivio, FMI, Marianist Magnificat, May 2025

Barely arrived in Moramanga (Madagascar) in July 2024 to establish our small Marianist religious presence, we were immediately immersed in a youthful atmosphere through several ecclesial events.

The words of Pope Francis and his personal testimony, expressed in the Bull of Indiction for the Jubilee Year, echo deeply within us. With great fervor, Francis urges us to renew our passion for young people, to care for the new generations, to walk alongside those who are lost or poor—girls and boys, students, youth open to the future and often so fragile.

And so, to us—small and newly arrived—Providence has entrusted three young women for formation in Marianist religious life, and has also offered us the opportunity to welcome students from various rural areas of Madagascar. These students come from families without the means to support their children’s education and will come to Moramanga to attend Don Bosco University. This university, the dream and constant commitment of Bishop Rosario Vella, began its journey on September 30 with programs in Economics and Law.

Open to God’s call and plans, we joyfully embraced this first mission—what greater gift could we have received! Twelve young women students are now living with us on the upper floor of our house. They share with us their hopes, worries, struggles, joys, and dreams as they live a daily rhythm that demands effort, courage, and perseverance.

Our closeness proclaims to the world—which often tries to claim them in destructive ways—that young people are the joy and hope of the Church and of a world open to the Joy of the Gospel.

Mary guides us in this mission; she is the reason for our hope, she is the Mother of Youth!