Blessed Louis Rafiringa, also known as Brother Raphaël or Raffaele Luigi Rafiringa, was a De La Salle Brother born on November 3 1856 in Antananarivo, Madagascar, and died on May 19 1919 in Fianarantsoa, Madagascar. We celebrate his feast day on May 19 every year in the Catholic Church.
Blessed Louis Rafiringa Biography |
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Date of Birth | November 3 1856 |
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Country/Place of Birth | Antananarivo, Madagascar in Africa |
Matrimony/Holy Orders | Blesseds who were Brothers |
Profession | Lay Brother |
Place of Work | Madagascar |
Date of Death | May 19 1919 |
Place of Death | Fianarantsoa, Madagascar |
Feast Day | May 19 |
Beatification | Beatified by Pope Benedict XV on June 17 2009 |
Blessed’s Biography
Blessed Louis Rafiringa was born on November 3, 1856, in Madagascar. He was the son of Rainiantoandro. His father was a senior official of Queen Ranavalona I and captain of the slaves of the noble tribe Hova.
In 1866 he met missionaries of the De La Salle brothers and told his father about his desire to go to school. Louis joined the brother of the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools (De La Salle Brothers). On October 24, 1869, was baptized there.
After finishing school, he served as an assistant teacher at the local De La Salle school in 1873. He was elected President of the Catholic Union of Madagascar in 1883 and made his perpetual profession on November 14, 1889.
Arrested and Trial
On December 24, 1915, he was arrested, his room searched, and manuscripts confiscated. An investigation focused on his writings and officials tried to prove that he was part of the secret V.V.S. Sect and took everything he owned. Rafiringa was locked in an underground cell with a rundown table and a blanket.
On 18 February 1916, his trial ended in a positive outcome and around 8:00 pm he was taken back to his home with the faithful ready to receive him and kiss his hands for the people within reach.
He visited the local bishop on February 19 to ask for a new rosary, as his previous rosary was worn out.
Bl. Louis Rafiringa Death
He died on May 19, 1919, in Fianarantsoa, Madagascar of natural causes.
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