The Mauritian diaspora is not left out of the celebrations marking the 157th anniversary of the death of Father Laval. In Canada, a mass has been said for more than 30 years on this occasion. The Quebec Mauritius Association (AQIM) is preparing for September 12.
Far from home, Mauritians in Quebec have not forgotten the fervour surrounding the commemoration of the death of Blessed Father Laval. This year, the appointment is once again given at the Cathedral Marie-Reine-du-Monde in Montreal on September 12.
For Steve Juganaden, secretary of the association, this mass is part of the major events that appear on the agenda of AQIM every year: “To not forget our roots, we also celebrate the major Mauritian holidays such as Divali, Eid, among others. The mass to commemorate the death of Father Laval is also part of this, and has been for more than 30 years. It attracts on average several hundred Mauritians from all over Canada.
This mass also has a particularity as Steve explains: “Every year, Mauritians from all communities attend this mass. It is not surprising to see in the same pew a Mauritian of Muslim, Hindu and Telegu faiths. Moreover, during the mass, a prayer is said in each language spoken in Mauritius.
A few days before the mass, preparations are well underway within the choir: “The mass is led by a Mauritian choir. They will sing the songs in Creole and French to the sound of the ravanne and other instruments.
