The First Service, through Rado's camera lens, Part 2

Sunday, August 9. Tolagnaro (Fort Dauphin)

Among those who were baptized were seven grandchildren of this woman dressed with her beautiful brown lamba wrapped around her waist. . .

 and this older man. . .

and this young woman.

Later, after Holy Communion, the leaders of this fledgling parish addressed their bishop and his wife with their greetings and appreciation. . .

. . . and also welcomed Ingrid and me as honored guests on their big day.

It was then my great privilege to greet and congratulate the congregation on behalf of St. Gregory's, and to announce that our two parishes had been joined in a companion relationship. As a token of that partnership, I took the stole from around my neck, and then took off my cassock-alb, giving it to Deacon Donné for safe-keeping until my return.

(Rado had apparently asked his dad to take this photograph, for it is he who is adjusting the microphone to my left.)

After my remarks, Todd addressed the congregation with his usual energetic and engaging style, and I wish I could tell you what he said, but he spoke Malagasy, of course!

Having given up my cassock-alb, I now stood beside the Bishop as he brought the service to its conclusion and prepared to give the congregation his episcopal blessing, while Evangelist Tomboasy looks on and Deacon Donné  prepares for the procession.

A series of photo ops followed, and here is a typical example, with Mother Patsy, yours truly, Deacon Donné, Bishop Todd, and a new Christian and her proud family.

A gala reception followed, and much rejoicing, for this auspicious first celebration and official beginning of the new church of Fort Dauphin!

Sunday, August 9. Tolagnaro (Fort Dauphin)

Among those who were baptized were seven grandchildren of this woman dressed with her beautiful brown lamba wrapped around her waist. . .

 and this older man. . .

and this young woman.

Later, after Holy Communion, the leaders of this fledgling parish addressed their bishop and his wife with their greetings and appreciation. . .

. . . and also welcomed Ingrid and me as honored guests on their big day.

It was then my great privilege to greet and congratulate the congregation on behalf of St. Gregory's, and to announce that our two parishes had been joined in a companion relationship. As a token of that partnership, I took the stole from around my neck, and then took off my cassock-alb, giving it to Deacon Donné for safe-keeping until my return.

(Rado had apparently asked his dad to take this photograph, for it is he who is adjusting the microphone to my left.)

After my remarks, Todd addressed the congregation with his usual energetic and engaging style, and I wish I could tell you what he said, but he spoke Malagasy, of course!

Having given up my cassock-alb, I now stood beside the Bishop as he brought the service to its conclusion and prepared to give the congregation his episcopal blessing, while Evangelist Tomboasy looks on and Deacon Donné  prepares for the procession.

A series of photo ops followed, and here is a typical example, with Mother Patsy, yours truly, Deacon Donné, Bishop Todd, and a new Christian and her proud family.

A gala reception followed, and much rejoicing, for this auspicious first celebration and official beginning of the new church of Fort Dauphin!