In the Republic of Mauritius, Christmas has become a national holiday for everyone, even though we live in a multicultural and multiracial country. During Advent, parishes distribute a guide to all the faithful to help them prepare spiritually for Christmas. Christians place great emphasis on the coming of the Christ Child, so that we might truly live the spirituality of Christmas. In every church, a large nativity scene is set up by the faithful, who then visit church after church to pray before it.
The Christmas vigil Mass is no longer at midnight, but at eight in the evening, broadcast live on television. On Christmas Day itself, it airs on radio.
The Bishop sends a message to the nation by television and radio.
On Christmas Day, families gather for the traditional meal, and in the afternoon almost everyone goes to the sea.
In Faith and Light communities, we meet the Sunday before Christmas to celebrate this great event together. Young people with handicaps perform a nativity play, and after lunch there is a big party with songs and dancing.
Judex Violette, Mauritius