BISHOPRIC OF PORT LOUIS

Dear friends of the Ascending Life,

On the occasion of the^40th  anniversary of your movement, I would like to thank God for all those who started this movement in Mauritius, and had at heart to put themselves at the service of our elders. They have opened our eyes to all the wealth of experience of wisdom and dedication that the elderly represent—a capital that young and old should not ignore. Because our elders represent our roots through their witness of life, their attachment to their faith and to evangelical values. And it is the strong bond with these roots that allows us young trees to nourish ourselves with our heritage of faith and value, to develop ourselves humanly and as Christians, to stand in the storm and to bear fruit.

Dear friends, you who are elders, do not forget that you have a valuable role to play in the Church and in society. This role is exercised more in discreet service and witness of faith than in action. But these are decisive contributions to the healthy development of the rising generations.

On June 15, following rumors circulating in Rome about his state of health and possible resignation, Pope Francis told the general audience: "Even as an elderly person one can, and even must serve. It is good for the elderly person to cultivate a sense of responsibility to serve, and overcome the temptation to stand on the sidelines. The Lord does not put them aside, on the contrary restores in them the strength and the desire to serve" (Pope Francis, 15 June 2022). 

+ Cardinal Maurice E. Piat

Bishop of Port Louis

June 20, 2022

Rue Mgr. Gonin - Port-Louis - Mauritius - Tel: (230) 208 3068 - Fax.' (230) 208 6607 - Website: www.dioceseportlouis.org