Port-Louis Diocese Not Backing Father Grégoire’s Concert Teaser

The Port-Louis Diocese has issued a statement distancing itself from a promotional teaser for a spiritual concert featuring Father Jocelyn Grégoire, scheduled for September 29 at the Sir Gaëtan Duval Stadium in Rose-Hill. The teaser, which included imagery of an orange sun logo associated with the Militant Socialist Movement (MSM), has sparked significant controversy and concern among the Mauritian public.

In a communiqué released on Tuesday, August 27, the diocese clarified its position, stating, “We dissociate ourselves from the teaser that has been broadcast, which has fostered ambiguity regarding any supposed support from the Church for this content.”

The statement emphasized that “the Catholic Church has a longstanding tradition and principle, inherited from Cardinals Margéot and Piat, of maintaining its independence from any government, regardless of its nature.”

The diocese reiterated that the Church has consistently advocated for political neutrality and has never issued voting instructions, underscoring that Catholic priests should refrain from active political engagement.

This issue first arose last Saturday, August 24, when the controversial teaser was shared on social media, generating confusion and prompting disapproval and outrage among the Mauritian community.

To further clarify the situation, Bishop Jean Michael Durhône met with Father Jocelyn Grégoire, who assured him that the concert is intended to be a spiritual event.

The diocese’s commitment to neutrality and independence from political affiliations remains central to its message during this turbulent period.

Source: Defi Media