On March 31, 2026, the entire Congregation was deeply saddened by the passing of Sister RALALASOA Thérèse de l’Enfant Jésus, who returned to the Father. Most of the sisters of the Reality traveled to Mangasoavina Tana for the farewell rites; Sister Cecilia, our Superior General, was present at the funeral along with Lucienne, Delegated Counselor of the Madagascar Reality. At the same time, the sisters of the Cameroon Reality joined in prayer for the funeral celebration.
Her departure has profoundly affected the Cameroon Reality, where she dedicated many years of her missionary life, and particularly her community in Bokito, where she lived for the last 11 years. She arrived in Madagascar on February 15, 2026, to receive medical care. She always showed that she did not want to be a burden to the community and was full of gratitude for the help and care provided by the sisters. Despite the severity of her illness, she remained hopeful for a recovery. She was hospitalized for 12 days at the Soavinandriana Hospital Center. Her family did not abandon her, as they loved Sister Thérèse deeply; they proved this by visiting and caring for her in the hospital day and night.
Biography of Sister Thérèse Lala
Born on September 24, 1962, in Ambatolampy; 35 years of religious life.
- Joined the Congregation as an aspirant: 1984 in Miarinarivo.
- Entered Postulancy: October 15, 1987.
- Entered Novitiate: September 30, 1989.
- First vows: September 7, 1991.
- Perpetual vows: April 8, 1999.
Her Mission:
- 1991-1995: Kindergarten teacher at Collège Monseigneur Ramarosandratana (Miarinarivo).
- 1995-1997: Religious life formation and French language studies.
- 1997-2000: Teacher at Collège Saint Jean Bosco (Mangasoavina Antananarivo).
- 2000-2012: In Yangben (Cameroon), kindergarten assistant, and active in pastoral work, catechesis, and youth movements.
- 2012-2014: Mistress of Postulants in Antsirabe and Mangasoavina.
- 2014-2015: Prefect of the primary school at Collège Victore Rasoamanarivo (Analaiva Morondava).
- 2015-2026: Director of the Bokito Kindergarten (Cameroon).
Her Life
She had a great devotion to the Virgin Mary and lived her life giving thanks to the Lord for the gifts she received. Sister Thérèse was a person who brought joy to those around her; she loved what she was asked to do and did it with all her heart. We often heard her say, "There are no problems, only solutions!" She was simple in her relationships, kind, and possessed a sense of humor that allowed her to defuse tensions. In the community, she often said that the sisters were gifts to her. She loved the poor and, moved by their situations, was always ready to serve; she found it hard to say "no" to those who sought her help. She loved visiting the sick and the elderly in the neighborhood. She had a special affection for the Virgin Mary and trusted in the Sacred Heart of Jesus, to whom she never stopped praying during her time in the hospital.
Sister Thérèse, thank you for the example of life you gave us. Thank you, and rest in peace. Pray for us.
