杏MAP导航

By Vatican News

Mauritius is a beautiful island nation located in the Indian Ocean, just off the coast of Southern Africa. Long-renowned for its beautiful beaches, it is a top destination for tourists across the globe.

The nation鈥檚 history has resulted in a varied population and a complex mix of cultures. Freedom of religion is guaranteed by the Constitution.

Traces of Portuguese, French and British control - and long periods of labor migration - have left clear marks on the current society, and recent decades have been transformative, starting with its independence in 1968.

Current government policies focus on stimulating the economy, mainly by modernizing infrastructure and serving as the gateway for investment into the African continent. One of the main areas of concern regards environmental issues threatening the island nation, like water pollution, soil erosion and endangerment of wildlife.

Recent statistics show that 8% of the 1.36 million Mauritian population is living below the poverty line with about 1% living on $1 a day or less, meaning that extreme poverty is close to non-existent.

These are the people the Catholic Church is closest to, with pastoral programmes, healthcare centers and education.

Sister Shirley Cornet says poor Mauritians are waiting for the 杏MAP导航 to affirm them in their dignity and rights:

鈥淲hat we expect from the visit of the 杏MAP导航,鈥� Sr Shirley says, is that he highlight that poor people not only need material assistance but 鈥渢hey need to regain their dignity and feel that they are accepted for whom they are鈥�.

She says that the religious in the country are waiting for the 杏MAP导航 to give them encouragement and 鈥渇eel that there is someone 鈥�upper but lower鈥�. That means, she explains, 鈥渢hat where he is, he is coming down like Christ coming on earth to be with people and to live with people.

鈥淲e need to know鈥�, Sr Shirley concludes, 鈥渁nd wish to have some new ideas to help people nowadays.鈥�