Bl. Lucien Botovasoa

Today's Saint is another foray into other parts of the world. Bl. Lucien Botovasoa was born in Madagascar in 1908, the oldest of nine siblings. He studied at a public school until he was baptized at the age of 14, then he transferred to Jesuit school. After receiving his diploma in 1928, he became an instructor at the school. In 1930, he married Suzanna Soazana. The couple were parents of five children, the last born after Lucien's death. Once a nun told him he would have made a fine priest and asked him if he regretted marriage. He did not hesitate to answer in the negative and said that he served God through his particular vocation.

He did desire to become a religious, but had no desire to leave his wife and family. He found a book on the Secular Franciscan Order and began to follow some of the practices such as fasting, although actually joining was not an option as there were no secular orders in Madagascar.

In 1947, a political organization wanted to present him as a candidate in their election, but politics was not something he wanted to associate with. About this time there arose great unrest in the region. Priests and nuns were being rounded up and Lucien was aware that he was also at risk of being captured and killed for his status as a religious educator. On April14, after having lunch with his family, he was called before the chief who wished to judge him. He spoke with the chief for half an hour before being sentenced to death. He was led off to be executed that same night.

While kneeling in contemplation waiting for the fatal blow, he noted that the executioners were men that he himself had taught at school as students at some stage.

Lucien was beatified on April 15, 2018 - his feast day is April14.