Thousands Expected At Blessed Laval Pilgrimage in Mauritius with Calls for a More Just, Fraternal Society

Thousands of Catholics in Mauritius are preparing for the annual pilgrimage to the shrine of Blessed Jacques-Désiré Laval in Sainte-Croix, scheduled for September 8-9. During a press conference at the Bishop’s House in Port-Louis on September 1, pilgrimage coordinator Steeve Chan Chu announced that the 2026 gathering will focus on the theme of building a more just and fraternal society.

The theme draws from the 2026 Lenten message of Bishop Jean Michaël Durhône of the Diocese of Port-Louis. Chan Chu stated that the theme encourages participants to turn the values of justice and fraternity into concrete commitments within society. He noted that lasting peace requires justice and that the dignity of every person must remain central to this effort.

Chan Chu also highlighted how Blessed Laval focused on vulnerable people, such as the sick and freed slaves. The pilgrimage invites modern Christians to continue this work by reaching out to those living on the margins of society.