"The date of November 19, 2016 will remain in the annals of the village
of Ilena of the diocese of Fianarantsoa", writes to Fides Father Albert
Rainiherinoro, M.I.
"That day - continues the missionary - Sister Marie
Alleyrat, of the Congregation of the Sisters of Divine Providence of
Saint Jean de Bassel, received the 'Chevalier de la Legion d'honneur'
medal on behalf of the President of the French Republic".
"With this ceremony, the French State recognized the contribution of
Sister Marie at the service of the poorest", says Fr. Albert.
The
80-year-old nun carried out her mission at the leper colony of
Analalava, diocese of Ambanja, from 1969 to 2000.
From 2000 to 2006 she
served at the ECAR Mahasoabe clinic, and from 2006 until now at the
former leper colony, ECAR Ilena clinic. "Sister Marie agreed to receive
this honor as a sign of gratitude to her French friends who did
everything possible to make her have this award.
She, in fact, does not
like to appear in public and prefers to work in silence.
'The blessing
of the Lord is more important than this medal, I will pray for all of
you, thank you'", she said.