The population is mainly composed of followers of Islam, Hinduism, and Christianity, with Catholics making up 26% of the total population. The country has 48 parishes, one diocese, and one apostolic vicariate. Salesians from Madagascar arrived in Mauritius in 2001 at the invitation of the then-Bishop of Port Louis, Cardinal Maurice Piat, to assist young people in need. Upon their arrival, the first Salesians were entrusted with a parish, small diocesan training centers in various parts of the capital, and the diocesan Youth Ministry.
The main challenges facing young people in Mauritius include family instability, which often leads to lost family ties, low educational quality resulting in high rates of functional illiteracy even among those who complete school, and drug abuse. With support from the Italian Episcopal Conference (CEI), construction began last year on new school buildings and workshops on a single campus, with the first phase scheduled for completion in December. This development will allow the Salesians to better support young people needing technical training to secure a brighter future.
Additionally, part of the development plan includes creating a boarding facility for young people in difficulty. During his visit, Fr. Maravilla commended the Salesians for this initiative, saying, "This is a valuable development that will complete the 'Salesian identity' of our presence, aimed at helping youth in distress and on the margins of society."
“Next year marks not only the 150th anniversary of the first Missionary Expedition but also the 25th anniversary of the Salesian presence in Mauritius. This celebration would be more meaningful if we could establish another presence on the island… A second presence would promote stability by allowing the Salesians to rotate between locations without having to leave Mauritius,” emphasized the General Councillor.
During his visit, Fr. Maravilla shared various moments with the community, gave a “good morning” greeting to students, celebrated Mass in churches served by the Salesians, and met with teachers, Cardinal Piat, and the new Bishop of Port Louis, Bishop Jean Michaël Durhône.
"I have seen great opportunities for developing our presence and better rooting Don Bosco’s charism in the Indian Ocean," Fr. Maravilla remarked. "It is essential not to lose the missionary boldness of our founder, which made his dream of a global Congregation a vibrant reality."
On November 6, accompanied by the community’s Director, Fr. Maurizio Rossi, Fr. Maravilla visited Cap Malheureux to see the chapel dedicated to Mary Help of Christians. "For me, it was a personal pilgrimage, as I prayed there in silence, entrusting our work in Mauritius and our dreams for the Indian Ocean to Mary Help of Christians,” concluded the General Councillor for Missions.
