Cardinal Piat back in Mauritius

A moment of joy and pride for all the country as the Air Mauritius flight touched ground. For the second time in its history, the Roman Catholic Church has appointed a Mauritian as Cardinal in the name of Mgr Maurice E. Piat, former Bishop of Port Louis. The previous cardinal was Mgr Jean Margéot, who was ordained in 1988.

A warm welcome was reserved for the newly-appointed Cardinal upon his return with parliamentarians, eminent personalities and other VIPs making their way to their airport for a grand welcome ceremony comprising of police parades and official motorcade. The Prime Minister Sir Anerood Jugnauth was present at the airport for the ceremony.

“We are all moved by this unique moment of our history. And I feel priviledged that God has wished, after late Jean Margéot in 1988, I am once more Prime Minister at the time when the Holy Father is blessing our country by elevating Mgr Maurice Piat as Cardinal,” said Sir Anerood Jugnauth in his address.

He congratulated the Cardinal in the name of all Mauritians and his government. “You fully deserve to be counted within the ranks of Cardinals as you have brilliantly discharged your responsibilities during the term you headed the Roman Catholic Church. You worked not only for the Christians, but for the whole population regardless of religious dominion.”

Education, social inclusion, inter-religious dialogue and inter-cultural actions have been the hallmarks of Mgr Piat’s time at the head of church. He has initiated actions for the well-being of the family, an essential aspect of the personal development of every individual and society. Youth has been another important aspect of his work as Bishop where he focused on giving them a better future. The Prime Minister also expressed his wish for Pope Francis to visit Mauritius in the near future.

The new Cardinal started his speech by having special thought for people of Rodrigues, Reunion Island, Agalega and the Chagos. “Prior to my departure, many people asked me about the mission that I will be entrusted with. I told them that I did not know as I am waiting to meet with the Pope and see what he will say. But the Pope has not deceived me because he has said something very simple but strong which goes along the Gospel.”

Pope Francis told him how Jesus called his apostles and took them on the mountain to pray. And then, just after that, he took them with him and headed to the field. Jesus’ aim was not to stay on the mountain, but to get to the field where there was a crowd who was tormented and seeking his blessings. “It is when I understood that being nominated as Cardinal by the Pope does not mean sitting on a throne in Rome.” 

According to Cardinal Piat, it means receiving a true mission which is to come back to the people of his country. As Jesus said in the gospel, “it is not you who have chosen me, I have chosen you and put you where you are.” Meaning that me being in Mauritius with its difficulties, suffering, struggle but also great with its happiness, dynamism, the smiles, the families. 

“I must say that I am very humbled to pursue my service. And to all of you, continue to serve your country and the people around you. This does not mean finding solutions to the many problems but to take care of people by offering your kindness, your friendship, a smile. We all can do it. If we serve others like Jesus advises us to do then we will know great happiness,” said Cardinal Piat.

After the welcoming ceremony, a mass presided over by the new Cardinal was held at the Cathedrale St Louis, in Port Louis.