Born in a small town in Madagascar, Marius Razafimandimby could not have imagined in his childhood that he would one day be living in Australia and completing his final studies towards becoming a Divine Word Missionaries (SVD) priest.
But, he says that coming across the world to complete his formation at the SVD formation house, Dorish Maru College in Melbourne has broadened his horizons.
“Missionary life is a widening of everyone’s horizon,” he says.
Born the fourth of five siblings, Marius’ parents were both teachers in Catholic schools and he says his parents and his Catholic education had a big influence on his decision to become a missionary.
However, after leaving school, Marius ended up becoming a Physical Education teacher and teaching for two years before coming to a cross-roads and asking himself: “Is this what I want to do for my whole life?”
During a school holiday, the first Madagascar SVD missionary celebrated Mass in Marius’ home town and invited young men to join the SVD.
“I responded, and went up to talk to him,” Marius says.
After a few delays, Marius joined the SVD in 2010 and during his first year, he taught at a SVD primary school in a remote area, and was then admitted to the Postulancy to study Philosophy, followed by one year of Novitiate in Ghana. After professing his first vows in 2016 he was sent to Australia to study Theology.
Apart from his studies, Marius takes part in pastoral activities every Tuesday at a pastoral outreach centre in Melbourne.
He says he is enjoying his formation, especially the multicultural nature of the Divine Word Missionaries.“SVD formation is challenging, but more than the challenges are the learnings and rewards,” he says.
“My several years of experience with the SVD community taught me how different people from different countries can live together. It also taught me humility, that we are all equal.
“I have a wonderful time living with the different seminarians and missionaries coming from different countries.
"It is an extraordinary experience of brotherhood.”