The Bahá’í Faith in Mauritius

The Bahá’í Faith has been in Mauritius for over half a century. From its beginnings in the 19th century, the Bahá’í Faith has spread to every corner of the planet. In fact, it is the second most geographically widespread religion on Earth, with more than five million members in over 200 countries representing over 2,000 ethnic, linguistic and cultural groups.

Miss Ottilie Rhein (1903-1979) introduced the Bahá'í Faith to Mauritius

The Bahá’í Faith was introduced to Mauritius in 1953 by a German-born woman named Ottilie Rhein. Miss Rhein arrived in Mauritius on 11 November 1953 from the United States and, on her first expedition to procure living necessities, met the proprietor of a shop, Mr. Yim Lim, who became the first Mauritian resident to join the Faith. By 1956, there were more than 100 members of the Faith in Mauritius and three local councils had been formed. The Bahá’í Faith has been officially recognised in Mauritius since 1966 and today comprises thousands of adherents.

The Bahá’í Faith is a founding member of the Mauritius Council of Religions and engages with civil society and the Mauritius government to share Bahá’í perspectives on diverse issues. Followers and friends actively engage in efforts to apply Bahá’u’lláh’s teachings to the material and spiritual progress of their communities around the island and in Rodrigues. These community-building activities include the spiritual education of children, the spiritual empowerment of youth, enhancing the devotional character of neighbourhoods, and developing spiritual capacities in individuals to transform themselves and the society around them. We invite you to learn more about the Bahá’í Faith at bahai.org.

First Mauritian Bahá'í

Mr. Yim Lim was the first Mauritian resident to join the Bahá'í Faith in 1953.

The First National Spiritual Assembly of Mauritius

The first elected national governing body of the Bahá'í community in Mauritius was formed in X

Visit of Hand of the Cause Mr. Collis Featherstone to Mauritius

Members of Baha’i institutions in Mauritius with Mr. Collis Featherstone (front row, third from right), a Hand of the Cause of God, and Mrs. Featherstone during their visit to Mauritius in 1987

Prominent Mauritian Bahá'í: Mr. Seewoosumbur Appa

Mr. Appa became a Bahá’í in 1956 and diligently served the Faith until the last day of his life. He was a member of Local and National Spiritual Assemblies and served as a member of the Continental Board of Counsellors. Conscientious, hardworking and orderly, he had a gentle, pure-hearted personality that led him to become known affectionately throughout Mauritius and the African countries he visited as “Papa Appa.” A schoolteacher by profession, he was also an outstanding teacher of the Bahá’í Faith.

Prominent Mauritian Bahá'í: Mr. Roddy Lutchmaya

Another dynamic Mauritian Bahá’í was Mr. Roddy Lutchmaya (1932-1999), a joyous and enthusiastic personality who held the high-ranking post of Commissioner of Prisons in Mauritius. He served on Local and National Spiritual Assemblies and was also a member of the Continental Board of Counsellors.