The arrival of the Marist Brothers in Ihosy
Wednesday, 3 September 1986 marked the arrival of the first Marist Brothers in Ihosy. At that time, the diocese was led by Monsignor Jean-Guy Rakotondravahatra, who had asked the Marist Brothers to take charge of the education of the children and young people of the city of Ihosy. Three brothers were sent on this mission: Br. Louis Jean Denis Rakotoarivony, Br. Rasabo Jean Bernard and Br. Randriamihaja Marc.
The first pupils began the school year on Monday, 15 September 1986. There were just over 130 of them, divided into three sixth-grade classes. Classes were held in the seminary, as the school building was still under construction. The three brothers stayed at the bishop’s residence. The first class to graduate with the BEPC (Certificate of Basic Studies) did so in 1990, and the first class to graduate from secondary school did so in 1993. By the 2024-2025 school year, the school will have its 32nd class of Terminale (final year of secondary school).
On 1 May 1987, the school celebrated its first feast day in honour of its patron saint, Saint Peter Chanel. The event was marked by a solemn mass, games, and traditional and modern songs and dances.
Who is Saint Peter Chanel?
Born in 1803 in Cuet, in the Bresse region of France, Pierre Chanel was the fifth of eight children. His father was Claude François Chanel and his mother was Marie-Anne Sibellas. During his childhood, he tended sheep while pursuing a classical education. He made his first communion on 23 March 1817 and entered the minor seminary in October 1820. Ordained a priest on 15 July 1827 in the Society of Mary (Marist Congregation), he soon expressed his desire to go on a mission.
This desire became a reality on 24 December 1836, when he embarked with four priests and three Marist brothers for Oceania at the request of Pope Gregory XVI. He landed on Futuna, a small island in Oceania, where he celebrated his first Mass on 8 December 1837.
During his first two years, he was welcomed by the local king, Niuliki. He learned the language of the country and began to evangelise. His humanitarian work and kindness earned him the nickname ‘Petelo, the man with the excellent heart’.
But his success in converting people displeased the king, especially after his own son converted. This provoked his anger and, on 28 April 1841, Pierre Chanel was beaten to death with a club and an axe by Musu-Musu, the king’s son-in-law. Shortly after his death, Christianity spread rapidly throughout the island of Futuna.
Father Chanel’s former enemies, including his murderers, were converted. Musu-Musu even asked to be buried next to him, and the king’s daughter became the first nun on the island. Pierre Chanel was beatified in 1889 and canonised in June 1954 by Pope Pius XII.
Br. Roland Herinina – director of the College