Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Fianarantsoa

Roman Catholic archdiocese in Madagascar

The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Fianaranintsoa is one of the five Catholic Metropolitan Latin Archdioceses in Madagascar, yet depends on the missionary Roman Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples. Its cathedral archiepiscopal see is Cathédrale du Saint Nom de Jésus, dedicated to the Name of Jesus, in Fianarantsoa, Fianarantsoa province. The present Archbishop is Fulgence Rabemahafaly.

Established on 1913.05.10 as Apostolic Vicariate of Fianarantsoa, on vast territory split off from the then Apostolic Vicariate of Central Madagascar. Lost territories on 1935.06.18 to establish Apostolic Prefecture of Vatomandry (now Metropolitan Archdiocese of Toamasina) and on 1938.01.08 to establish Apostolic Prefecture of Morondava (now a diocese)
Promoted on 1955.09.14 as Diocese of Fianarantsoa
Elevated to Metropolitan Archdiocese of Fianarantsoa on 11 December 1958 during Madagascar's transition from French colony to independence. Lost territories again to establish suffragans : on 1968.04.09 Diocese of Mananjary and on 1999.06.03 Diocese of Ambositra
Enjoyed a Papal visit from Pope John Paul II in May 1989.

As per 2014, it pastorally served 831,106 Catholics (56.5% of 1,471,000 total) on 29,400 km2 in 42 parishes and 5 missions with 126 priests (60 diocesan, 66 religious), 525 lay religious (210 brothers, 315 sisters) and 78 seminarians. It had a total population of about 1,153,750 in 2004. About 40.5% of the residents were Catholic. 121 Priests operate in the Archdiocese, making for a ratio of 3,863 Catholics per Priest.

Gilbert Ramanantoanina, S. J. (1960 1962), appointed Bishop here