The phenomenon Father Pedro
In France, Father Pedro Opeka is known for his books co-written with Abbé Pierre and his many TV appearances in 2017. Some might also remember his name from 2013, when he was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize. In Madagascar, however, he is a true national hero—considered a saint by some. At over 70 years old, he has been fighting poverty on the Big Island for more than three decades.
The beginnings of a strong bond
The love story between Madagascar and the Argentine priest of Slovenian origin began in 1970. At the age of 22, he first came to the country as a bricklayer in the Lazarist parishes of Vangaindrano, in the southeast. Even then, he was deeply committed to helping impoverished families, contributing to the improvement of rice, cereal, and coffee farming.
Finding his vocation as a missionary, he continued his theological studies in France before returning to Madagascar in 1975. Ordained a priest in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and declared a missionary at the Lazarist Church on Rue de Sèvres in Paris, he devoted his life to the poorest in what would become his adopted homeland.
The Lazarist priests, also known as the Congregation of the Mission, are dedicated to serving the poor. As the parish priest of Vangaindrano in 1975 and later director of the Lazarist seminary in Antananarivo in 1989, Father Pedro witnessed extreme poverty and initiated the project Akamasoa. Following in the footsteps of Saint Vincent de Paul, the Catholic saint and founder of the community, he aimed to address both spiritual and material destitution.
Akamasoa, meaning "good friends," began with the creation of a new village on a rocky terrain 7 km from the city. Father Pedro persuaded 70 homeless families, who had been living amid the capital’s garbage dump, to join him. These families survived by scavenging scraps, often competing with dogs and pigs.
Akamasoa: A community of hope
Starting with simple wooden structures, and then brick by brick, the village was built by the families on land provided by the authorities. Akamasoa offers its residents dignity and the opportunity to take control of their future. They receive housing, food, and access to medical care. Parents are given jobs, and children are required to attend school.
Since the first village was established in 1989, the association has built 18 villages across the capital and provinces, including:
- Antolojanahary Village, 60 km from the capital on the Ankazobe road (RN 4).
- Manantenasoa Village, 8 km from the capital on the Toamasina road (RN 2).
- Andralanitra Village, 8 km from the capital on RN 2.
- Mahatsara Village, 12 km from the capital on RN 2.
- Ambatomitokona - Talata Volonondry Village, 37 km from the capital on the Anjozorobe road (RN 3).
- Alakamisy Ambohimaha and Safata Villages in the Fianarantsoa province.
- Ampitafa Village in Vangaindrano, southeast Madagascar.
- Béthanie Village in Morondava, on the west coast.
More than 3,000 houses, 30 schools, multiple libraries, three dispensaries, a dentist's office, basketball and soccer fields, and cemeteries have been built. In the 2017/2018 school year alone, approximately 14,000 children were enrolled in six primary schools, four secondary schools, and two high schools, supported by 464 teachers and 70 social workers.
A man devoted to his mission
Some 460 Malagasy professionals work toward the development of the association. The Malagasy government has officially recognized Akamasoa as a public utility. While the organization relies on aid, resources are often insufficient, prompting Father Pedro to leverage his international connections.
The growing number of homeless individuals and impoverished families needing assistance only adds to the challenge. Winning the Nobel Prize and its accompanying €900,000 reward would have been a great help. During his 2017 appearances on French TV, the kind and patient man showed signs of frustration, criticizing the lack of will among Malagasy people to help one another.
Though celebrated with accolades, honors, and recognition from both Madagascar and abroad, Akamasoa remains in need. Father Pedro’s humanitarian efforts have helped 500,000 underprivileged individuals, but millions more remain neglected. While many other associations exist, none match the scope of what Father Pedro and his team achieve.
A happy ending?
Today, visiting Father Pedro has become a reason for some travelers to come to Antananarivo, even if they don’t always meet him during their visit to Akamasoa villages. Many travelers request to visit Akamasoa and attend a mass celebrated by the priest.
In September 2019, Pope Francis (a former classmate of Father Pedro at Colegio Máximo de San Miguel in Greater Buenos Aires) visited Madagascar and paid a visit to Akamasoa. For Father Pedro, this was a sign of recognition and encouragement from Providence. His devotion and fervor at over 71 years old are truly admirable!
How much longer will we have this extraordinary man among us? When will he receive the recognition and support he truly deserves? When will Malagasy people create more Akamasoas themselves? It’s up to us to reclaim our dignity and act for our future!