Blessed Lucien Botovasoa

Biography

Blessed Lucien Botovasoa, born in 1908 in Vohipeno, Madagascar, was the eldest of nine children. At the age of 10, in 1918, he received the sacrament of baptism, and four years later, at the age of 14, he made his First Communion in 1922. Lucien's love for education and his strong faith prompted him to study at the Jesuit Saint Joseph College from 1922 to 1927, where he developed a passion for teaching.

After finishing his studies, Lucien became a school teacher, dedicated not only to providing secular education but also to nurturing the spiritual growth of his students. He would often end his classes by reading stories about the lives of saints to the interested pupils. In 1930, Lucien married Suzanna Soazana in the diocese of Farafangana. They had five children together, with a sixth on the way at the time of Lucien's death.

Lucien's deep devotion to God led him to join the Crusaders of the Heart of Jesus on 18 August 1935. He served as the treasurer of the organization from 1936 to 1947. Additionally, Lucien's thirst for knowledge drove him to learn multiple languages, including Chinese, German, and French. He had a fine singing voice and served as a musician and director of his parish choir.

Lucien Botovasoa had a strong desire to integrate his religious vocation with his married life, leading him to search for information on married saints who managed to achieve this balance. His wife even had concerns at one point that he might leave her to join a monastery. However, Lucien found his spiritual home when he joined the Secular Franciscans in 1940. He devoted himself to spreading devotion to Saint Francis of Assisi and promoted the spiritual benefits of being a Franciscan. Lucien would often fast and adopted a distinct attire for a tertiary, wearing a khaki shirt and tan trousers, while tying a black cord around his waist — a traditional symbol of the Franciscan Order.

In 1947, when some locals urged him to run for political office, Lucien humbly declined, stating his lack of knowledge about politics and his desire to remain separate from it. Unfortunately, that same year, a persecution of Christians broke out in his region. Priests and nuns were initially imprisoned, and soon afterwards, Christians were randomly killed or executed in groups due to their unwavering faith.

On the afternoon of 14 April 1947, Lucien learned that the anti-Christian forces were coming for him. Rather than attempting to escape, he chose to spend his remaining time with his wife and children. That night, Lucien was arrested and brought before the local chief, who swiftly sentenced him to death. His executioners were men he had previously taught when they were schoolboys.

Between 10 pm and midnight on 14 April 1947, near Ambohimanarivo, on the banks of the Mattanana River, Lucien Botovasoa was beheaded with a sword. His body, still adorned in his distinctive tertiary attire, was callously discarded into the river.

Blessed Lucien Botovasoa was venerated on 4 May 2017 when Pope Francis declared him a martyr. On 10 April 2018, Pope Francis beatified him, bestowing the title of Blessed Lucien Botovasoa. The beatification recognition ceremony took place in Vohipeno, Madagascar, and was presided over by Cardinal Angelo Amato.

Through his unwavering faith, dedication to education, and integration of his religious and married life, Blessed Lucien Botovasoa stands as an example of courage and commitment to the Christian faith. He inspires the faithful to embrace their vocations, wherever they may be called, and to remain steadfast in their love for God and their fellow human beings.