The Mauritius Revenue Authority (MRA) celebrated the traditional St Matthew’s Mass on Wednesday 28 September 2022 at the St Louis Cathedral, Port Louis. This mass is an annual event which is celebrated in remembrance of the Patron Saint of Customs and Tax Officials.
The theme for this year is: “St Matthews teaches us that God is always with us.”
The Director-General of the MRA, Mr. Sudhamo Lal, Father Labour, the Vicar General of the Diocese of Port Louis, Father Gregoire, Pandit Pramod Kumar Shamjhu, members of the MRA Management Team and MRA staff participated in the celebration which started at 09h30.
In his address, Mr. Sudhamo Lal explained that the St. Matthew’s Annual Mass is an opportunity is to pay homage to the Patron Saint. “A collective prayer is organised every year at the St. Louis Cathedral. A similar event will be celebrated at the Shri Kannanur Mariamen Kovil, Albion Dock in the weeks to come”, he said.
The MRA family gathers itself in those holy places to seek the blessings of God to pursue with devotion and dedication the various tasks assigned to its members.
Mr. Sudhamo Lal conveyed his deep gratitude to the members of the Organising Committee for having coordinated this event. “Our role as taxman, if played correctly and honestly can guarantee us of our salvation”, emphasized Mr. Sudhamo Lal.
On his part, Father Gregoire expounded that “in any religious tradition, there’s always two forces: good or bad. And we are instruments of God so we should fight against the evil”.
Also present in the event, Pandit Pramod Kumar Shamjhu, MRA Customs Officer, stressed on the unity of religion. He stressed the importance of paying homage to God and soliciting the blessings of Lord Krishna and Mother Doorga during this very auspicious period of Govinden and Navratree.
Mr. Christian David, Coordinator of the Organising Committee, stated in his address that “the job of a tax collector is subject to hardships. This was true at the times of St Matthew and is equally true today. We must seek the blessing of God to conduct our task with love and diligence”.
