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Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Catholic Bishop in Mauritius Urges Hope, Solidarity with Affected

Bishop Jean Michaël Durhône of the Catholic Diocese of Port-Louis in Mauritius. Credit: Catholic Diocese of Port-Louis

Bishop Jean Michaël Durhône of the Catholic Diocese of Port-Louis in Mauritius has called on the people of God to stand in solidarity with all those affected by breast cancer, sharing a message of hope, compassion, and faith.

In his message for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Bishop Durhône expresses spiritual closeness to individuals battling the disease, as well as to their families and caregivers.

“In this month of October dedicated to breast cancer awareness, I wish to offer a message of hope to all those affected by this illness, as well as to their families and loved ones,” the Local Ordinary of Port Louis says in his Tuesday, October 21 message.

“Life sometimes confronts us with difficult trials, but we are never alone,” he continues, adding, “God accompanies us in our suffering and gives us the strength to persevere, to keep faith, and to continue to hope.”

The Catholic Bishop of Port Louis Diocese since his Episcopal Consecration in August 2023 further lauds healthcare professionals, volunteers, and organizations working in cancer prevention and patient care, describing their service as a true expression of Christian love.

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“I pay tribute to the medical teams, volunteers, and all those who work for prevention, support, and care of the sick. Your commitment is a living testimony of solidarity and love of neighbour,” the Mauritian Catholic Bishop says.

He goes on to underscore the importance of awareness and early detection, saying that the month of October should serve as a “reminder of the vital role of prevention.”

“May these weeks of awareness remind us of the importance of prevention, listening, and accompaniment. May everyone find strength and comfort in solidarity and prayer,” he says in his message for Breast Cancer Awareness Month realized under the theme, “Every Story is Unique, Every Journey Matters.”

Bishop Durhône implores God’s blessing upon all those affected by breast cancer, saying, “May the Lord bless you and support you in your struggles.”

October marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month — a global campaign to honour those affected by the disease and reaffirm the world’s commitment to equitable access to care and better survival for all.

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According to the World Health Organization (WHO), “In 2022, approximately 2.3 million women were diagnosed, and another 670,000 died from the disease.”

For WHO, each breast cancer diagnosis “carries a personal story of courage, resilience, and hope. It highlights the diverse experiences of those affected and calls for compassionate, timely, and quality care for everyone — regardless of their location, income, or background.”

Jude Atemanke is a Cameroonian journalist with a passion for Catholic Church communication. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from the University of Buea in Cameroon. Currently, Jude serves as a journalist for ACI Africa.