The vault of Father Laval, which will see throughout this month of September the arrival of hundreds of thousands of Mauritians as well as foreigners within the framework of the commemoration of the anniversary of the death of the Holy Apostle, is ready to welcome the pilgrims. The organising committee of this religious event, which is held every year at St. Croix, has maintained that all the necessary arrangements have been made in this regard. In addition, the faithful wishing to give thanks to the Apostle of the Poor for this 158th celebration will be able to attend without limit this year. These announcements were made during a press conference held on the morning of Wednesday 31 August at the Curia of the Cathedral of St Louis in Port Louis.
In front of the press, Father Sunassee, who chairs the organizing committee of the pilgrimage of Father Laval, provided the last details concerning this event which brings together believers of different religions of the island. He explained that this year’s theme is “Per Laval aprann nou mars ansam”. This is in line with the Pope’s own invitation to the church to walk together for a positive transformation of the world. Father Sunassee pointed out that it is also important to have greater brotherhood with others.
Steeve Chan Chu, the main coordinator emphasised that the church decided to make this change to better meet the needs of the pilgrims, many of whom are looking to be listened to and understood. He explained that a lot of logistics will be put in place for confession sessions for those who wish to attend. However, all the infrastructures will have to be removed during the night to be able to welcome other worshippers at 6am for the masses.
However, Steeve Chan Chu added that on the evening of 8 September, arrangements have been made for the public to have access to public transport. The Metro Express will run until 1am and bus services will also run until late in the evening in some areas. In addition, police officers will ensure the smooth running of the event and eight First Aid teams will be on duty in the area.
The diocese also reminded that the Covid-19 virus is still present in our country. The committee recommends that people coming to the vault wear their masks as much as possible and those with flu symptoms should avoid the crowds. “The mask is not compulsory but pilgrims are advised to wear it in the vault and in the church compound for the protection of everyone. It is also about learning to walk together,” added Father Sunassee.
The chairman of the organising committee of the Father Laval pilgrimage took the opportunity to thank the Prime Minister, Pravind Jugnauth for his contribution to the celebration of this commemoration. He recalled that the Head of Government himself chaired the Task Force in charge of the preparations for the pilgrimage. Father André Sunassee also pointed out that the Diocese has received a lot of support from several ministries of this government.
Opening and closing of the vault
On 8 September 2022, the vault, Holy Cross Church and the surrounding area will be open to pilgrims from 6am until midnight. From midnight (8 September) until the early hours of 9 September, the vault and surrounding area will be closed.
Pilgrims are asked to make arrangements to return home as soon as the vault, courtyard and Holy Cross Church are closed at midnight on 8-9 September 2022.
Note that the Metro Express on the Phoenix-Port Louis line will operate until 1:30 in the evening of September 8-9, 2022.
On September 9, 2022, the vault, church and perimeters will be open to the public from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm.
We ask pilgrims to show courtesy en route. As we walk, please respect the walk, the prayer of others. In the evening wear a reflective waistcoat, or carry a torch wherever possible.
Despite the easing of health protocols, Covid-19 is still present in our country.
There are no restrictions on the number of pilgrims who can gather here, so the organising team is preparing to welcome all the pilgrims who, after two years of the pandemic, will undoubtedly come in greater numbers. However, we recommend that people who have a cold or flu symptoms refrain from coming to the vault.
By the way, the pilgrimage is not only on September 8, but lasts the whole month of September. Wear a mask and keep a reasonable distance from the crowd if possible.
