Port-Louis Diocese: A Commission for the Creole Cause Launched on February 1st

The Commission for the Creole Cause will be officially announced on Sunday, February 1, 2026, during the 191st anniversary of the commemoration of the abolition of slavery. A mass presided over by Bishop Jean Michaël Durhône of Port-Louis is scheduled for 8:30 AM at the Saint-Augustin Church in Rivière-Noire.

This celebration will mark the public presentation of this new body, including its objectives, mission, and the composition of its members. The Commission succeeds the February 1st Diocesan Committee, which has been active for about thirty years.

Since October 2024, Bishop Durhône has established a broader discernment team tasked with contemplating the Creole cause to define its orientations, vision, and mission within the diocesan Church. Following this process, new members have been appointed by the bishop, and a framework has been established to guide the Commission’s actions.

"The Memory of Slavery"

Father Alain Romaine explains that the February 1st Diocesan Committee has existed for 30 years, "to commemorate the abolition of slavery, organize all activities related to this event, and simultaneously promote the issue of the memory of slavery." He points out that a shift in approach is now taking place: "We feel that we are moving to another stage, because we are no longer just in memory and reminder, but we are now going to focus on the fate of the descendants of slaves."

According to him, the creation of the Commission marks a structural and missional evolution. "Today, we all know the situation of the Creoles. That is why Bishop Jean Michaël Durhône invites us, instead of remaining in a diocesan committee — because a committee is mainly for organizing an event — to enter into a commission. This means that he is truly giving us a mission that we must carry together to promote and defend the Creole cause," he states.

The priest emphasizes that this approach comes with a clear framework. "This is not simply a title or a name, because there is now a roadmap, with a structure and people who will address the issue of the fate of Creoles in Mauritius, Rodrigues, Agaléga, and in other islands of the Republic," he points out.