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 abolition of slavery. A mass presided over by Bishop Jean Michaël Durhône of Port-Louis is scheduled for 8:30 AM at 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 an expanded discernment team tasked with reflecting on the Creole cause to define its directions, vision, and mission within the diocesan Church. Following this process, new members have been appointed by the bishop, and a set of guidelines has been established to frame the Commission's activities.

"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 everything related to this event, and at the same time, promote the issue of the memory of slavery." He notes that a change in approach is now occurring: "We feel that we are moving to another stage, because we are not just focused on memory and remembrance, but we are now going to pay attention to the fate of the descendants of slaves."

According to him, the creation of the Commission marks a structural and mission-driven evolution. "Today, we all know the situation of Creoles. That is why Bishop Jean Michaël Durhône invites us, rather than remaining in a diocesan committee — since a committee primarily organizes an event — to enter into a commission. This means 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 initiative comes with a specific framework. "It is not merely a designation or a name, because there is now a roadmap, with a structure and individuals who will carry this issue of the fate of Creoles in Mauritius, Rodrigues, Agaléga, and the other islands of the Republic," he points out.