Victoria Rasoamanarivo, laywoman (1848–1894)

Biography

Malagasy laywoman, wife and princess, Victoria Rasoamanarivo supported the Catholic community of Madagascar when the missionaries were expelled. Initially educated in the traditional religion, she learned about Christianity in a missionary school and received baptism despite family opposition. She remained faithful to a husband with difficult behavior, rejecting divorce and responding with patience. During the persecution of 1883 he protected churches and schools, encouraged the prayer of the faithful and defended the freedom of Catholics in court. His social authority thus became humble and courageous service to the Church.