The Grand Commander of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, Fra’ Emmanuel Rousseau, paid a courtesy visit to the Republic of Mauritius from 13 to 17 November 2025. The mission aimed to reinforce cooperation between Mauritian institutions and the Order, present on the island for nearly fifty years with health and social care initiatives for the most vulnerable.

Since 1976, the Order of Malta has been active in the Republic of Mauritius with healthcare, solidarity, and rescue training projects, thanks to the support of Ordre de Malte France and the dedication of local members and volunteers. Recent initiatives include first-aid interventions during major religious events, support for the homeless, public health programs and emergency and first-aid services throughout the island.

Fra’ Emmanuel Rousseau visited the centre dedicated to autism spectrum disorders with which the Order of Malta actively collaborates and for which Ordre de Malte France experts have provided technical training. During the visit, the Grand Commander was able to follow the work of local teams and their commitment in accompanying children and their families.

On this occasion, a letter of intent was signed, preceding the signing of a memorandum of understanding, between the Ministry of Health, Ordre de Malte France and the Order of Malta Mauritius, for promoting technical cooperation and training specialists in caring for people with autism. The ministry has chosen to collaborate with Ordre de Malte France because of its recognized experience in the field. It manages eight health and social facilities in France dedicated to autism spectrum disorders and already provides assistance and technical and training support to the Mauritian centre.

During his stay, the Grand Commander gave a Lectio Magistralis at the French Institute, focusing on the Order’s charism – tuitio fidei et obsequium pauperum – and the role of humanitarian diplomacy in the modern world as an instrument for dialogue and service to the most vulnerable.

The Grand Commander also met with embassy staff and members of the Mauritian Association, for a discussion about the Order’s current activities and future projects in the country.

The visit concluded with a solemn Mass celebrated in Port Louis Cathedral, in the presence of Apostolic Nuncio Tomasz Grysa, Cardinal Maurice Piat and numerous members of the Order. The celebration represented a moment of communion and thanksgiving for the fruits of the cooperation between the Order and the local church, in the sign of faith and of service to the weakest.