Bishop Jean Claude Rakotoarisoa

Jean Claude Rakotoarisoa was born on October 4, 1971, in Tsiroanomandidy. After attending the Minor Seminary and the propaedeutic seminary in Tsiroanomandidy, he studied philosophy at the St. Paul Interdiocesan Major Seminary in Manantenasoa-Antsirabe. He completed two years of pastoral experience at the Minor Seminary in Tsiroanomandidy and studied theology at the Saint Pierre Interdiocesan Major Seminary in Ambatoroka-Antananarivo. He was ordained a priest on August 29, 1999, for the Diocese of Tsiroanomandidy. He held the following positions and undertook further studies: Master’s degree in Theology from the Catholic Institute of Madagascar, Antananarivo (1999–2001); Vicar of the Tsiroanomandidy Cathedral (2001–2007); Diocesan Bursar and Secretary of Tsiroanomandidy (2001–2009); Interim Principal of the Tsiroanomandidy Catholic High School (2005–2006); Vicar in the Andranomadio District (2007–2008); Parish Priest of the Andranomadio District (2008–2010); studies in Rome for a Licentiate and Doctorate in Canon Law at the Pontifical Urban University (2010–2016); and Diocesan Administrator of Tsiroanomandidy (2017–2021). Since 2021, he has served as Vicar General of Tsiroanomandidy and National Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies in Madagascar.