The Background of the Cardinal
Apr 14, 2005
Cardinal Razafindratandra comes from a wealthy family of noble lineage which converted to Christianity in ancient times. He was born on August 7, 1925, in Ambohimalaza, Madagascar, and ordained on July 27, 1954.
Razafindratandra completed his studies in Paris, and soon after actively dedicated himself to developing the Church in Madagascar, beginning as a parish priest and later assuming the responsibilities of Director of the National Catechist Center, Rector of Madagascar's Minor Seminary, and then Director of the Major Seminary.
On April 27, 1978, he was named Bishop of Mahajanga. Razafindratandra founded the Ecumenical Commission of Theology, entrusted with drafting a statute for the Council of the Madagascar Christian Churches. Starting in 1989, this Council has played an important role in the democratic evolution of Madagascar.
Razafindratandra was promoted Archbishop of Antananarivo on February 3, 1994, and during the Consistory of November 26 of the same year, was elevated to the College of Cardinals by John Paul II.
The Background of the Cardinal