About Mère Augustine
Née Caroline Lenferna de Laresle, Mère Augustine founded the congregation of the 'Sœurs de Charité de Notre Dame du Bon et Perpétuel Secours' at 25 years old, on the 18th of June 1850. The only international congregation founded in Mauritius. Mère Augustine and the Sisters responded to the social needs of the 19th century: abolition of slavery, arrival of indentured labourers and cholera epidemic that took millions of lives. To respond to the welfare and health needs of the population, Mère Augustine set up hospitals, orphanages and free schools. The Sisters went out in the community and into people's home where they were most needed.