Thousands of students from Orionine schools across Madagascar gathered in Faratsiho on Tuesday to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Congregation of Don Orione’s presence in the country, Don Orione.org reported.
The festivities began at 6 a.m. at the courtyard of Collegio San Paul, where children and teenagers from Faratsiho, surrounding areas, and the congregation’s various Malagasy missions arrived wearing colorful costumes designed to represent the nations where the congregation operates. Some students had spent the previous night sleeping in the high school classrooms to be ready for the event.
The day officially opened at 8 a.m. with greetings from don Mamisoa, head of the Faratsiho Community, followed by remarks from Director General p. Tarcisio Vieira, Provincial Father don Giovanni Carollo, and Armanda Sano of the Orionine Lay Movement (MLO).
Faratsiho Streets Fill for Carnival Parade
The celebration then moved into the town center with the traditional “Carnival,” a parade led by the youngest students that wound through Faratsiho’s streets. Teachers and Malagasy police supervised the procession while hundreds of spectators watched from shopfronts and rooftops, cheering with songs, dances, and chants supporting their schools. Nearly every Orionine community in the country organized for its students to attend.
The parade concluded at the stadium inside the Liceo, where the morning continued with traditional kabari (official speeches), followed by more than two hours of popular music and dance. To cap the day, organizers opened a Luna Park with rides and attractions.
Sports Tournaments Run Through Friday in Faratsiho
The events will continue through Friday, Nov. 6, with a full schedule of athletic competitions in which students will compete in soccer, basketball, and track and field tournaments, according to Don Orione.org.
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