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Mauritius
Population: 1.1 million (1990) Life expectancy males/females: 66/74 years Infant mortality rate: 19.7‰	Religions: Hindu 52%; Christian 32%; Muslim 16%. Independence: 12 March 1968 (from the U K) GDP per capita: US $3,600

Spiritan Presence: Since 1841; about 14 professed members; International Group (France, Ireland, Poland, England); associate programme at Pont Praslin.

Last year the diocese of Port-Louis celebrated its 150th anniversary. Blessed Jacques Laval arrived in Mauritius in 1841 and he is looked to as the apostle of the island. His tomb is a centre of pilgrimage and prayer for Mauritians of all creeds. Spiritans work in the adjacent parish of Sainte-Croix and in five other parishes on the island under the leadership of Mgr. Maurice Piat, CSSp.

While the parish involvement creates a fabric of Spiritan presence, Spiritans also contribute greatly to the local church through specialised ministries. The interfaith centre at Pont Praslin, with its exceptional library, is a source of discovery and understanding in areas of everyday living for all believers. Thabor is a place of varied ministry to students and young adults, as well as being the source of an extensive catechetical programme. At Centre Père Laval a Spiritan ministers to the many pilgrims. Another is chaplain at l'Hospice St-Jean de Dieu.

The District has played an important role in the development of the Indian Ocean Foundation. The Novitiate is located in Mauritius and this year began with nine novices. Efforts have been made to receive appointments from African circumscriptions. Hopefully they will be successful.

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