French Province Hands Over to Indian Province in Mauritius

Nine Brothers and two Co-workers, of the French Province and seven Brothers and two Co-workers of the Indian Province were amongst the guests at the ceremony of transition of the Order’s Community and Work for the elderly on the Indian Ocean island of Mauritius on Saturday 11  February.The French Province had assumed responsibility for the aged persons’ home from the ‘Bon Secours’ Sisters in 1976.

 With a view to committing more of its resources to the development of  the Order in Madagascar the French  Province negotiated over a number of years with Indian Province to take over its work in Mauritius. This transfer took place on 25 March 2011 but the celebration of the transfer was delayed until 11 February 2012—the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes and World Day of the Sick.

 Today the home cares for 75 men  with a staff of three Brothers and 30 Co-workers. In 2011 the home had 21 new admissions, with a total of 96 men being cared for over that period.

 The Transition Ceremony commenced at 2.30 p.m. and included a Mass of Thanksgiving presided over by the Bishop of Port Louis,  Most Rev. Maurice Piat.

 The French and Indian Provincials (Brothers Alain Samuel Jeancler and Antony Palamattom) welcomed all present and then six French Brothers recounted their memories of living at Pamplemousses and working in the home.

 Following the homily the Provincials signed and exchanged the transfer documents and a special candle that symbolized the continuance of the charism of John of God Hospitality in the home even though its administration had changed.

 To conclude, the Prior General, Brother Donatus Forkan, spoke of the significance of the transfer in the life of the Family of St. John. of God throughout the world.