Port Louis Diversity Slide Show
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| In the early 1840s, Pere Laval came to Mauritius to work towards the evangelizing of former slaves. The priest took to the work, but also began establishing routines of caring for the sick and looking out for the education of young Creole (Mauritians of African descent) children. He also did a great deal to establish the Catholic Church of Creole Mauritians, making the Church a place of community and pride for them. Pere Laval is looked on as a sacred or holy figure in Mauritius and his tomb is found in the complex of the Church of Holy Cross in St. Croix, Port Louis. Throughout the year, many Mauritians, especially Catholics, visit the tomb to offer prayers and ask for blessings. It is widely believed that miracles such as the cures of terrible diseases can be asked for and granted at the tomb of Pere Laval, and the area around his tomb is considered sacred and full of the presence of God. After the disappearance and cure of a Mr. Beaubois' horrific ulcer that covered much of his head and neck in 1923, Pere Laval developed a significant following of Mauritians. The growth and intensity of this following led to the eventual beatification of Pere Laval by the Vatican in 1979, allowing for public worship within a fixed territory. Despite the restriction of worship to the tomb and complex of the Holy Cross Church, small road side shrines to Pere Laval can be seen throughout the island, and many devotees also have small shrines in their homes. |
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