Wednesday Walk Challenge : Take the 82 steps to the Marie Reine de la Paix Chapel

This weeks walk is a walk is to a chapel in the outskirts of Port Louis. During my three month stay in Mauritius, I have mostly focused on visiting Hindu temples. The Hindu population is the largest, so therefore there are lots of temples. When it comes to christianity, most of the Creole and Franco-Mauritian population are Catholics. Besides visiting the Cathedral in the capital, Port-Louis, I haven't been to many of the Catholics churches. Two Popes have visited this chapel. Inspired by the knowledge that the late Pope Francis was here in 2019, I desided to walk up to this chapel. It is located 44 meters above sea level. Except for the main entrance, it means climbing 82 steps to get to the top.

I started my walk from one of the small streets in downtown Port-Louis. There are three stairways to the chapel. The one in the middle that leads directly to the front of the chapel, doesn't have stairs all the way, so I guess it the 82 steps are the stairways to each side. I chose the one in the midle. Not to avoid the steps, but to be able to look straight at the chapel.

The garden that surrounds the building does make a beautiful frame. Each of the terraces are covered with flowers and bushes. The park area is huge and looks well maintained. Looks beautiful from at the bottom of the stairs. I did make many stops to look back at the park, but also to look at Port Louis. That view kept getting better and better. I haven't been here before, so I haven't seen the city from this point before.

The location is on the slopes of the mountain called Signal Mountain. The Chapel is called Marie Reine de Paix, which means Mary Queen of Peace. To the Catholic community this Chapel stands as a symbol of faith. It has become important to pilgrims who come here during religious celebrations. Especially during the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Besides Pope Francis, who passed away during Easter, the Pope John Paul II was here in 1989. These two noteworthy visits has had an impact on the significanse of the place.

I took a walk around the building. This Chapel has a wonderful location. It's also a building with a modern design. It's not possible to enter any of the platforms, but I had a look behind the fence. The whole place has an atmosphere of tranquillity that does make it a great place to do prayers or just sit to have a moment of reflection. I only met one person here. He left just as I arrived. Then I was all alone.

On top of building there is an amazing three metre high stature of Virgin Mary, sculptured in white marble. Notice what she is holding in her hands. A world globe. The statue was built in the 1940s. The purpuse was for Virgin Mary to protect the inhabitants on the island while World War II was going on. The globe is a symbol of the world war .

Before I start to walk the same way back to the city centre, I took time enjoying the panoramic view of Port-Louis and its surroundings. I haven't seen the city from here before. I am glad to have been here.

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Latest wedensday walk, check out:
Wednesday Walk Challenge : To the top of Mt. Limon, the highest peak on Rodriques island

U.J

Kristiansand, Norway

All the photoes are mine, Ulla Jensen (flickr, Instagram and facebook)

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