Africa-Press – Mauritius. The Prime Minister, Mr Pravind Kumar Jugnauth, who is the also Chair of the National Task Force for the Father Laval (Père Laval) pilgrimage, effected, this afternoon, a site visit at the shrine and the church of Father Laval in Sainte-Croix, to take stock of the preparations being carried out in view of the pilgrimage which will be held on 08 and 09 September 2023.
The Vice-Prime Minister, Minister of Local Government and Disaster Risk Management, Dr Mohammad Anwar Husnoo; the Minister of Energy and Public Utilities, Mr Georges Pierre Lesjongard; the Minister of Youth Empowerment, Sports and Recreation, Mr Mahendranuth Sharma Hurreeram; the Minister of Arts and Cultural Heritage, Mr Avinash Teeluck; the Minister of Agro-Industry and Food Security, Mr Teeruthraj Hurdoyal; the Minister of Commerce and Consumer Protection, Dr Marie Christiane Dorine Chukowry; several Parliamentary Private Secretaries, Members of the Task Force as well as representatives from Governmental institutions and socio-cultural associations were also present.
The aim was to take note of the status of repair and embellishment works being undertaken in the shrine, church and surrounding area, and to ensure that the pilgrimage is held in the best possible conditions.
In a statement, Prime Minister Jugnauth underlined that Government took on board the proposals raised by various local authorities, socio-cultural representatives and stakeholders during the Task Force so that the Père Laval pilgrimage is held in the best possible conditions.
He expressed satisfaction as regards the works being carried out and commended the stakeholders for their hard work and dedication in making sure that the works are completed within the set time-frame.
The Prime Minister called on the pilgrims to remain vigilant on the road and to take all necessary precautions so that the pilgrimage takes place in a secure, disciplined and pious manner.
Jacques-Désiré Laval (18 September 1803 – 09 September 1864) was a French Roman Catholic priest who served in the missions in Mauritius. He is known as the “Apostle of Mauritius” due to his tireless work in aiding the poor and ill.
The death of Father Laval is commemorated on 09 September annually. Every year, on 08 September, men, women and children around the country, leave their houses and start on a long march to the shrine of Père Laval at Sainte Croix, where prayers are said.
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