The shrine of French Catholic priest and missionary Père Jacques-Désiré Laval is something of a Lourdes of the Indian Ocean, with many miracles attributed to pilgrimages here. The padre died in 1864 and was beatified in 1979 during a visit by Pope John Paul II. Père Laval is credited with converting 67,000 people to Christianity during his 23 years in Mauritius. To get here, take a bus signed ‘Cité La Cure’ or ‘Père Laval’ from the Immigration Sq bus station.

Père Laval is a popular figure with Mauritians of all religions. Pilgrims come from as far afield as South Africa, Britain and France to commemorate the anniversary of his death on 9 September. Notice the coloured plaster effigy of the priest on top of the tomb – it’s been rubbed smooth by miracle-seeking pilgrims.

At other times of year the shrine is fairly quiet, though the services held on Friday at 1pm and 5pm attract a reasonable crowd. In the same complex is a large, modern church and a shop with a permanent exhibition of Père Laval’s robe, mitre, letters and photographs.

Every year towards the hour of sundown on 8 September, men, women and children from every part of the island, leave their houses and start on a long march to the shrine of Father Jacques Désiré Laval at Sainte Croix, where prayers are said. The death of Père Laval is commemorated on 9 September.

“Père Laval Dire Zezi ouver mo lizie est le thème” is the theme chosen for the pilgrimage of Father Laval this Friday, September 8th 2017. Everything has been done to ensure that this pilgrimage takes place in the best conditions. The solemn Mass at 8:30 pm will be broadcast live from the church of St. Croix. A mass to follow on the MBC3, and on the facebook page of the mbc, and also on MBC Play. The Mass will be presided by Cardinal Maurice Piat and hosted by the Choir Immaculate of Marie de Rivière du Rempart.