Lucien Botovasoa was a Malagasy Catholic schoolteacher born in 1908 in Vohipeno. A member of the Secular Franciscan Order, he served as a treasurer for the Crusaders of the Heart of Jesus. He was married to Suzanna Soazana from 1930 until his death. During a period of political instability in Madagascar, he was killed in 1947 near the Matitanana river. Because he was executed due to his religious convictions, he is recognized as a martyr in the Catholic tradition.
Life and death
Born in Vohipeno, Botovasoa worked as an educator and became a member of the Franciscan order in 1944. He lived in Madagascar during a time of significant political unrest. His life ended in Manakara on 14 April 1947, when he was beheaded. This execution occurred during the political turmoil and was motivated by hatred of his faith.
Veneration
The Catholic Church recognizes him as a blessed martyr. After being named a Servant of God in 2011, he was officially beatified in Vohipeno on 15 April 2018. His feast day is observed on 14 April, the anniversary of his death.