A total of 613 shepherds were ordained yesterday at Ankaramalaza during celebrations marking the 85th anniversary of Tobilehibe Ankaramalaza, birthplace of one of Madagascar's greatest spiritual revival movements, initiated by Volahavana Germaine, known as Nenilava, in 1941. The presence of three Malagasy "filoha" at yesterday's ceremony gave particular significance to this Christian gathering, which attracted over 30,000 pilgrims, a dimension difficult to separate from politics. The immaculate white garments of the "mpiandry" once again clothed this pilgrimage site in white, making Ankaramalaza a theater of exceptional Christian fervor. Yesterday, where two former presidents and the current head of state attended, questions about state secularism inevitably arose. This major debate, which divides opinions, shows no signs of ending soon. On the contrary, judging by the varied and sometimes vitriolic views expressed on the matter, it will likely never achieve consensus. At Ankaramalaza, where Colonel Michaël Randrianirina was ordained "mpiandry" barely a year ago, he was invited to the ceremony in his capacity as head of state. He chose to wear his "mpiandry" garment during worship, then removed it to unveil the commemorative plaque for the 85th anniversary of Tobilehibe Ankaramalaza. Perhaps another outfit was added—a suit—when the head of state announced a donation for the most vulnerable at Ankaramalaza and the hospital itself, this time in his capacity as "dadatoa" (uncle) Michaël. An envelope containing 40 million ariary was presented for the occasion. In essence, this gift from the benevolent uncle is intended for the "madinika," referring to the "madiniky ny Tompo," those impoverished or marginalized persons whom God cherishes particularly, and for whom the Gospels call us to care.