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Father Laval

Throughout September, but especially on September 9, which is the anniversary of the death in 1864 of Father Jacques Desire Laval (known locally as Père Laval), pilgrims gather at the priest’s grave in Ste Croix. Father Laval was born in France in 1803 and brought up in a strict religious atmosphere, qualifying as a medical doctor before becoming a priest. In 1841 he arrived in Mauritius as a missionary and converted thousands of recently freed slaves to Catholicism, becoming known as the Apostle of the Blacks. He is regarded as the 'national saint’ of Mauritius, recognised by the Vatican and venerated by followers of all faiths who attribute miraculous healing powers to his name.

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  • Pere Laval's Shrine

    This is the Lourdes of the Indian Ocean. To get there, take the Pere Laval bus from Labour donnais bus terminal. It goes directly to the shrine and church at Ste Croix, via Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam St, Plaine, Verte and Abercrombie

    The shrine is separate from the church and is open for pilgrims daily from 6am to 6pm. Many pilgrims touch the effigy of Pere Laval and, in turn, touch their children. Miracle cures are said to have taken place.

    The church is an interesting example of modern architecture and design, with an unusual and effective use of mosaic and stained glass window.

  • Culture & Language of Mauritius

    The feasts in Mauritius are as various as the origin of the Mauritians and their religions.

    Visitors of the island shouldn't be afraid to attend the feasts.

  • Population and Religion

    Population and Religion

    At 31 December 1997, the population was estimated to be 1,120,530. It is divided into several ethnic groups, namely the Indo-Mauritians, creoles (that is persons having European, Madagascar and African origin) and Chinese Mauritians. Most of the festivities without fixed dates have been brought by the Indians but mostly by the tamilians. But there are also Chinese and Christian rites. The musical instruments that can be seen in Mauritius are the Ravane, a kind of big tambourine to give the rhythm for the tam-tam of the sega.

    FESTIVITIES

  • Yaum Un Nabi

    The birth and death anniversaries of the Prophet Mohammed are commemorated on the Prophet's Day, following twelve days during which the faithful gather in mosques throughout the island, devoting themselves to religious study.

  • The French Period

    Mauritius History The French PeriodAfter the departure of the Dutch 1n 1710, Guillaume Dufresne D'Arsel, while on the route to India, landed in Mauritius in September 1715 and claimed the island for France. He named Mauritius 'Ile de France'. However it was only in 1721 that the French started their occupation of the island.

  • Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanic Garden

    The Garden is under the responsibility of the Ministry of Agro Industry and Fisheries and is administered by the Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanic Garden Trust Board created under Act No.10 of 1999.

    The Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanic Garden, formerly known as ROYAL BOTANIC GARDENS, PAMPLEMOUSSES covers about 37 hectares.

  • Beny Restaurant

    Benny's is a neighborhood place best known for serving authentic Mexican food at affordable prices in a warm and fun atmosphere.Benny's authentic Mexican food is made fresh on the premises every day.

    Benny's is locally owned and operated. We serve authentic Mexican food, cooked fresh on the premises, offered at reasonable prices.

    We're known for our atmosphere as much as for our food. It's a warm and fun place to be, patronized by locals who have been our loyal customers for years. Be sure to check out our year round, air-conditioned and heated outdoor patio.

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