Père Laval

Father Jacques Desiré Laval (known locally as Père Laval) was born in France in 1803 and brought up in strict religious atmosphere, qualifying as a medical doctor before becoming a priest. In 1841, he arrived in Mauritius as a missionary converting thousand of recently freed slaves to catholism. But his popularity amongst the Mauritian people was based on his campaign for better working and living conditions to the Creoles becoming known as the Apostle of the blacks. He lived with the Creoles, learned the language, fasted when supplies were short, and slept in a packing crate. His medical training was useful to his ministry, as he worked to improve conditions in agriculture, sanitation, medicine, and science.

He died on 9 September 1864 and was beatified in 1979 and is regarded as the Island national Saint. He is venerated by followers of all faith who attribute miraculous healing power to his name. Throughout September people of all around the world flock in Sainte-Croix to join the yearly pilgrimage in his honour.