lavalday04

Welcome to the site of the TransCanada Province of the Spiritans. We are a Roman Catholic Religious Congregation of over three thousand members, founded in 1703. Our missions are spread worldwide. While we may be found involved in many diverse ministries, we have dedicated ourselves to working with the poor and in those situations where the Church has difficulty in finding ministers. We hope you enjoy your visit to our site and that while browsing you will keep us in your prayers. May God bless you.

Laval Day Celebrations - September 2004

The Mauritian community of Toronto came together on Sunday September 12th, 2004 to celebrate the feast of the Spiritan's Blessed Jacques Laval. The Mass was held at the Church of Saint Louis-de-France in Toronto, presided over by Fr. Pat Fitzpatrick, CSSp who spoke to the congregation about Fr. Laval's life and work in Mauritius and the example he gave us in his acceptance of and collaboration with the underprivileged of society. After the Mass, Pierre Wong, Vice-Chair of Emmaus, read the greetings from Maurice E. Piat, CSSp, Bishop of Port-Louis. No Mauritian gathering would be complete without a wonderful meal. Everybody had brought their own special dish and all was shared out over the rest of the afternoon. The weather was perfect for the day and all who attended took home good memories of another Laval Day celebration.

The church of Saint Louis-de-France in Toronto was filled as Mauritians from all over the greater Toronto area gathered to celebrate their "saint."

Didier Luchmun welcomed all to the celebration. Alain Lan & his choir provided festive music in three languages, French, English and Creole.

Fr. Pat Fitzpatrick, CSSp, Provincial Superior of the Spiritans in TransCanada, presided at the Mass.

As with the celebration on Laval Day every year, there was more than enough good food.

People took advantage of the beautiful picnic area at the back of Saint Louis-de-France.

Even the weather was wonderful. The sunshine was warm and the rain stayed away until the day was drawing to a close.

To all Mauritian friends in Toronto

Dear Compatriots,

Every year, as usual, many pilgrims of different faiths will gather at Sainte-Croix, on the 8th and 9th of September asking Father Laval to intercede for them for God's blessing. In many other countries, where our compatriots have emigrated, in United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, France, Italy, and elsewhere, Mauritians will meet to celebrate Father Laval. He is a strong spiritual link between us even though we are far away.

This devotion to Father Laval should inspire us to live as he lived. I would like to share with you some moments of his life that may help us to celebrate this anniversary with dignity.

First of all, Father Laval was very close to Jesus. The well-known picture of Father Laval showing Christ on the cross is very significant. By pointing towards Christ on the cross,, Father Laval wants to tell us that we need to follow only Jesus and that he is the Lord God to whom we must turn. Prayer, sacrament of reconciliation and Sunday Eucharist were three important practices in his life. Not only did he live as a Christian but he taught his people to do so. What is our devotion to Jesus-Christ today and how do we turn to him to thank him and pray for guidance and strength in our Christian life?

Father Laval had also great consideration for the poor. He identified himself to Jesus who was poor and humble. If we want to be authentic Christians, poor people must have a particular share of our special attention. Unfortunately, poor people do exist among the Mauritian migrant community. They are striving for a decent life but still cannot afford it. Caring for them will be the best way to show your devotion to Father Laval.

Finally, Father Laval worked for the consolidation of family life. Nowadays many families suffer from separation and divorce. I would like to invite you to pray the Lord daily that the principles of the Gospel, love unity, and forgiveness, be present and active in our family life.

During the Eucharist that I shall celebrate on the 8th September 2003 at 8 p.m., I shall pray specially for all Mauritians, "Enfants du Père Laval", who have emigrated in different parts of the world. The theme retained for the celebrations is "Père Laval Serviter Parol Bondie". Indeed Father Laval was a great servant of the Word. Not only did he observe the Word of God but he put it into practice. So should we do.

May Father Laval help us to be true followers of Jesus-Christ!

Happy celebration to all of you!

With sincere love and prayers.

+ Maurice E. Piat, C.S.Sp.
Bishop of Port-Louis
Port-Louis, 27th August 2004


The church of Saint Louis-de-France in Toronto was filled as Mauritians from all over the greater Toronto area gathered to celebrate their "saint."	Didier Luchmun welcomed all to the celebration. Alain Lan & his choir provided festive music in three languages, French, English and Creole.

Fr. Pat Fitzpatrick, CSSp, Provincial Superior of the Spiritans in TransCanada, presided at the Mass.	As with the celebration on Laval Day every year, there was more than enough good food.

People took advantage of the beautiful picnic area at the back of Saint Louis-de-France.	Even the weather was wonderful. The sunshine was warm and the rain stayed away until the day was drawing to a close.