The pope traveled to the island of Mauritius to spend eight hours in the country. He began his pilgrimage here, in the sanctuary of Mary, Queen of Peace.
It was a very symbolic visit because it is the only African country with a nearly half-Hindu population. Catholics amount to 28 percent and Muslims 17 percent.
Here the pope celebrated Mass with upwards to 100,000 people, 10 percent of the population.
Most of the island's Catholics are Creoles, descendants of slaves. Others come from India, China or are the descendants of former French colonizers.
The psalm was sung in several languages, to reflect the different origins of the country's Catholics.
In the homily, the pope asked Catholics in Mauritius and around the world not to be discouraged in the face of difficulties.
POPE FRANCIS
Living the Gospel message means we cannot keep hoping that everything around us will be perfect. All too often the thirst for power and worldly interests work against us.
The pope also referred to the lack of vocations and aging priests. However, he invited everyone to see the situation with a different perspective.
POPE FRANCIS
When we hear the threatening prognosis that “our numbers are decreasing,” we should not be so concerned with the decline of this or that way of consecration within the Church, but with the lack of men and women who wish to experience happiness on the paths of holiness. We should be concerned with the lack of men and women who let their hearts burn with the most beautiful and liberating of all messages.
Before concluding Mass, Cardinal Maurice Piat, bishop of the capital, Port-Louis, thanked him for the visit. He explained what it means for this region, often overlooked since it's so small.
CARD. MAURICE PIAT
Bishop of Port-Louis
As a father, you exhort us, encourage us and show us your confidence and assurance that we can make a small contribution to the great and extraordinary work of the global mission of the Church. I thank you from my heart!
The pope gave them a chalice to remember this trip every time they celebrate Mass.
On behalf of the island, they gave him a soccer jersey from the pope's favorite team, San Lorenzo de Almagro and the same hat the priests had been wearing to protect them from the sun.
The pope also greeted people from nearby countries who had traveled to Mauritius to attend the ceremony.
POPE FRANCIS
Finally, I greet with deep gratitude all the People of God here present, and particularly the faithful from Seychelles, Réunion, the Comoros, Chagos, Agaléga, Rodrigues and Mauritius. I assure all of you of my prayers and my closeness. May the Lord continue to grant to you all the wisdom and strength needed to attain your legitimate aspirations. I ask you, please, to continue to pray for me. Thank you!
From there, the pope went to the residence of the bishop of Port-Louis, where he planned to have lunch with all five bishops from the country.
Javier Martínez-Brocal
Melissa Butz
