This is a report of the missionary, Daniel Klocha OMI, who has been working on Madagascar for the past 30 years. He comes from the congregations of Wiazowny, where Hanna Chrzanowska was christened. A few years ago, Daniel Klocha OMI brought over the relics of the Blessed Hanna Chrzanowska to a big port city in Madagascar – Tamatave also called Toamasina, on the east coast of the island, into an institution for physically and mentally handicapped children (the “Centre”). The Centre is run by Carmelite Nuns (the “Nuns”), being a smaller order of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. They are helped by the volunteers from Madagascar or, sometimes, from Italy.
“Hania” in action on Madagascar
Looking at the first picture, we can see a man in the laundry room in the Centre. That man is Josef. He is married and has one child. He has completed a paramedic course and helps the Nuns with various jobs. He offers himself and his work at the Centre to Our Lady through the intercession of the Blessed Hanna Chrzanowska (“Hanna”). I told him that “As you keep coming here to continue the work that Hanna used to do during her lifetime, then she herself would pay you for your efforts so that you can provide for your own family. And, as I come from the same parish as Hanna, then I would take care of you too. However, each day please go to the chapel and pray by the relics of Hanna, give her a wink and then – get to work”. I always try to find some money for Josef so as to ensure that he is adequately rewarded.
The other pictures depict women in red dresses. This is a blind Anne (Ania). She is a masseuse who gives Ernestine massage therapy as part of a treatment for her osteoporosis (fragile bones).
The next picture shows a man with an amputated limb. This is Jeremy (Jeremi). Hanna herself used to visit in the old days. The amputation was necessary due to the accelerating diabetes. During and after the prayer with Hanna’s relics Jeremi felt a significant change for the better. The dressing on his amputation wound was removed even though, ordinarily, this would not have been done as the healing process is rather long. The leading doctor, diabetologist, maintains that there has been someone else’s intervention in this healing process, which he cannot explain.
There are approximately 30 children in the Centre. Some of them being visited by their families but others have no one to visit them. There are bed-bound children with bodies twisted into unusual positions and also, those who can walk around the garden and lead a cart with a colleague less-abled physically (physically challenged). Finally, there are people who help with the cleaning of the Centre, cooking meals etc. A prayer and daily Holy Mass are very important in the Centre. Children recite the Breviary and say a Rosary, and every Saturday there is an adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. Many of us can get a lot of inspiration from the children’s Christian devout and sense of holiness. I feel that my relationship with those in the Centre is well-founded and, in performing my social and pastoral duties, I draw a lot of personal energy and strength from those in my care and volunteers.
The Centre, in which there are relics of the Blessed Hanna Chrzanowska, is a secluded place, providing an internal peace. As everywhere else, here also are departures from life (deaths), and there is a lack of material needs or funds.
Thank you in anticipation for remembering us in your prayers.
If anyone would like to support us, your donation may be paid into the following account: –
(i) In Polish Zloty – PLN: IBAN PL86 1600 1462 1810 1048 3000 0069, BIC PPABPLPK
(ii) In Euro – EURO: IBAN PL37 1600 1462 1810 1048 3000 0078, BIC PPABPLPK
Daniel Kloch OMI
