Hic Sum – Misericordia di Adrano (PART 2)
The mission of Adrano’s Misericordia volunteers Pietro, Serena and Agatino in Madagascar continues
Day 20/03/2025, after a long journey, they arrived at the “Sacred Heart High School” in Fianarantsoa. 1900 students awaited the volunteers with shouts of joy at their arrival.
It was an indescribable thrill for the volunteers, who never expected such a welcome.
During a light refreshment organized by the school staff and the Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Ragusa, the president of the high school staff immediately told of the desire to create an association that shares the spirituality of the mission and the charism of Adrano Mercy.
Unfortunately, there is not enough time to train all the older pupils. For this reason, training is opted for a representation of second high school pupils (ages 16 and 17) and school staff.
Thus, on March 21, as many as 60 pupils and 40 teachers received health training, with some basic notions of first aid, cardiac massage, and airway decompression techniques.
Despite the wonderful moments shared, unfortunately, the volunteers were engaged in two health interventions.
It was the second intervention, the one that really put the volunteers on edge and not only because of its severity. Since this was not the first time such a case had arisen, the volunteers asked what they usually did to manage the symptoms.
“Nothing. We usually call the priest for blessing.” To later clarify, “Not for last rites, but to cast out spirits.”
Without any exorcism, the volunteers managed to awaken the child from her catatonic state and succeeded in lowering her body temperature, which had reached 39.5°. The child was then placed in the care of her parents.
In Madagascar there is no emergency health care system as in Italy.
Hospitalization is the responsibility of the patient, who is forced to call a cab to reach the nearest hospital if he does not have his own car.
In the 21st century, one still cannot mistake the hallucinogenic symptoms of high fever for episodes of demonic possession. Especially in a school, where young minds, the future of this island, are formed.
Here is added a new goal of Rievolution’s work.
The Space + Spadoni Foundation and Adrano Mercy have a great opportunity to support the enthusiasm of Mother Superior, Sr. Florina, a real powerhouse, and to feed the thirst for knowledge of the president of the school staff, Jojo, who is increasingly determined to create a small association that can give health support and carry out small works of mercy for the benefit of all of Fianarantsoa.
“In the meantime we have sown the seed, then it will bloom. We will then have to add water and fertilizer, but I have faith that it will grow,” Sr. Esther said at the conclusion of the intensive training day.