St Mary’s Church in Warwick recently welcomed a special visitor, Bishop Jaona of Antananarivo in Madagascar, who was accompanied by his son, Marc. Their visit marked an important step as the church begins to explore a meaningful partnership with his diocese.
Bishop Jaona and Marc joined the congregation for Sunday morning worship, sharing in the life of the church before gathering for lunch with around 25 members of the community, including the High Sheriff. Those present included many who are particularly interested in developing St Mary’s Peace Builders group, an initiative focused on promoting reconciliation, understanding, and community harmony.
The visit sparked inspiring conversations about the future. Among the ideas discussed were building stronger links with communities in Madagascar, hosting a Warwick Peace Festival, and creating a dedicated Peace Chapel within St Mary’s as a space for reflection and prayer.
Alongside these plans, the day was enriched by learning more about Madagascar itself. The Bishop shared fascinating insights into the island’s culture and environment—one memorable fact being that the trunk of a baobab tree can hold up to 100,000 litres of water.
The visit also included a hands-on cultural experience for younger members of the church, who thoroughly enjoyed making—and, of course, tasting—Madagascan coconut balls.
Finally, a visit to Coventry Cathedral, Father Forgive.
Overall, the visit was both joyful and thought-provoking, laying the foundations for a partnership rooted in faith, friendship, and a shared commitment to peace.
