The "Mpiandry" which could be translated as "shepherds" are a fundamentalist branch of Christianity of Madagascar . Their origin is not found in the teachings brought by foreign missionaries of the 19th century, but in the perception that the founders , many of whom then leave the worship of idols, had themselves the Scriptures.
In Madagascar 4 large "Toby" (Centers) forming the Mpiandry : Ankaramalaza , Farihimena , Manolotrony and Soatanana about twenty kilometers west of Fianarantsoa. This village nestled in the middle of a mountainous circus was founded in the late 19th century by a man named Rainisoalambo.
All the people are dressed in white as if the parents are "Shepherds" , their families are Soatanàna "Zanaky Fifohazana ny" or "Children of the revival" that follow exactly the same precepts of life.
Soatanana is not so far off in progress, since they have a private school that accumulates the good results in public examinations . Some biblical rites by cons always being, as act of washing one another's feet.
The processions are impressive, with the white tide surging with fervor.
Text by Thompson Andrianamoro, photos Pierre-Yves Babelon
