Blessed Victoire Rasoamanarivo

Life story

Victoire was born in 1848 in Antananarivo, into a family with standing at the Merina court. She was raised by an uncle, an officer. On 1 November 1863 she was baptised a Catholic and took the name Victoire, despite her parents' opposition; they threatened to disown her. In 1864 she married Ratsimatahodriaka, a cousin chosen by her parents.

The marriage was unhappy, as her husband is described as a violent, hard-drinking and unfaithful man. Even so she refused to divorce him and kept her marriage vows. He died in 1888 after asking forgiveness and receiving baptism. She spent time caring for the poor and the sick, and in prayer.

In 1883, in the context of the war between France and Madagascar, Catholic gatherings were banned and churches and schools closed. According to Church biographies, Victoire ignored the ban, kept the Catholic community together, and helped lead its prayer until peace was restored in 1885. She died on 21 August 1894 in Antananarivo; her tomb is in the chapel of Andohalo cathedral. Pope John Paul II beatified her on 30 April 1989. Her memorial is 21 August.

Works and witness

• Baptised on 1 November 1863 despite parental opposition
• Refused to divorce her violent husband, who was baptised before dying in 1888
• Cared for the poor and the sick
• Kept the Catholic community together during the ban of 1883–1885
• Beatified on 30 April 1989

Saints from the same country

Saint Jacques Berthieu, Blessed Jan Beyzym

References

• Pope John Paul II, beatification of 30 April 1989 (Vatican)
• Jesuit Madagascar mission, biography of Victoire Rasoamanarivo
• Martyrologium Romanum

Written by Anawim from documented history. Some details about ancient saints rest on tradition and are marked as such.