“It is together that peace will be lasting": Mauritian Cardinal in Message for Lent

Addressing journalists at the unveiling of the Pastoral Letter, the 78-year-old Mauritius Cardinal highlighted over-consumption, environmental deterioration and social inequalities as other challenges that seem to bedevil the people of God in Mauritius.

“We live in a system where we are pushed to consume too much. Also, there is the factor of inequality, the rich get richer. We were told about the Marshall Plan, but for 40 years we still can't make up for that inequality,” Cardinal Piat told journalists February 25.

He added, “The world economy is slowing down, our country is very indebted, some experts even speak of a possible devaluation of the rupee. The elections have been vigorously contested, violence in families and the scourge of drugs.”

“The Church is not there to give lessons to anyone. However, I believe that our country is capable of peace,” Cardinal Piat noted, making reference to the theme of his Pastoral Letter, "Together let us build a lasting peace.”

“It is together that a lasting peace can be built. And everyone has a role to play: the authorities, civil society and non-governmental organizations,” Cardinal Piat said.

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He recalled some of the major events that made last year memorable saying, "We had the Island Games, the Pope's visit, the increase in the old-age pension and the arrival of the express train."

He regretted the challenges Mauritius is currently facing and highlighted election contestation, devaluation of the rupee and the country's debt.

The Cardinal also spoke of the closure of factories, drug-related problems and road accidents.

Plans are underway to have the 52-page Pastoral Letter availed to Christians over the weekend. It will be sold in bookshops and supermarkets and the CD version of the document made available in the various parishes of the Island nation on sale.

Mauritians are expected to celebrate the 80^th anniversary of the Monument of Mary Queen of Peace in the capital, Port Louis, with a pilgrimage slated to take place on August 15.