Saint-Thomas-des-Indiens Chapel

The chapel of Saint-Thomas-des-Indiens

The Saint-Denis audio-guided tour stops you before the chapel of Saint-Thomas-des-Indiens. Modest and discreet, it is the silent witness of a page in the island's history, that of the arrival of Indian workers during the indenture period. This place of worship is discovered with respect.

A witness of indenture

The chapel was built around 1860 by the Catholic mission to preach the Gospel to Tamil workers. Indenture was a system that appeared after the abolition of slavery to make up for the shortage of labour: workers, notably from India, were engaged under contract, often in very harsh conditions. Given the many Hindu temples on the island, this evangelisation did not, however, have the expected effect.

What there is to see

Characteristic of the modest architecture of the mid-19th century, with its lime renders, the chapel has suffered greatly from time. It nonetheless remains a moving testimony to the religious diversity of Saint-Denis and to the memory of the indentured workers who came from India. It is contemplated with respect, as a milestone of the island's human history.

Practical information

The chapel of Saint-Thomas-des-Indiens is on Rue Monseigneur de Beaumont, opposite the Saint-Michel college, in Saint-Denis. A small building, it is mainly seen from the outside; its opening hours may be limited. As a place of worship and memory, it is approached with respect and discretion.

Why was this chapel built ?

It was built around 1860 by the Catholic mission to evangelise the Indian workers who came to Reunion during the indenture period.

What was indenture ?

It is a system that appeared after the abolition of slavery, where contract workers, notably from India, replaced the labour force, often in very harsh conditions.