André S. Saint-Louis
“Tout est bien et toujours”
Born in Haiti on December 31st, 1929, Pierre Sylvestre André Saint-Louis was truly loved and admired as a remarkable individual whose journey in this life has marked and inspired countless individuals – neighbors, acquaintances, friends, and family members alike who unlocked their full potential and embraced lives full of happiness and fulfillment.
As the son of Joseph Benoit Saint-Louis and Christiane Dégand, and brother of Gilberte Lafleur, André valued family and cherished his role as a loving husband and father. Together with his beloved wife, Gladys Saint-Louis (born Jean-Baptiste), he raised five children - four boys and one girl - fostering a nurturing and supportive environment that radiated love and compassion.
André S. Saint-Louis displayed a profound passion for personal development by embarking on a lifelong quest to explore religions and spiritual practices, while being driven by a deep desire to uncover his true path. Eventually, his journey led him to the profound practices of meditation, positive thinking, and metaphysics, which became the cornerstone of his teachings.
During his spiritual quest, André Saint-Louis actively embraced the Baháʼí Faith, and played a significant role in its ministry and growth in Haiti. He went on to also establish and run the ‘Centre Unité Universelle’ (C.U.U.), which later became ‘Centre de Motivation et de Développement Personnel’ (C.M.D.P.), a spiritual center dedicated to these profound teachings.
He met Swami Guru Devanand Saraswati Ji Maharaj, a spiritual master of the ascetic order of Shankara in India. Under the guidance of Mauna Swami, also known as the Swami of Silence, who resided at an altitude of over 5,000 meters above sea level, Swami Guru Devanand Saraswati Ji Maharaj visited Haiti, where he met André Saint-Louis and helped broaden understandings of personal development, Mantra Yoga Meditation, Hatha Yoga, Metaphysics, The Science of Mind witch were all integrated within ‘Société Internationale de Réalisation Divine’ (S.I.R.D.).
In 1974, André was proud to become one of the first shareholders of the Banque de l'Union Haitienne (B.U.H.).
In partnership with a friend from Trinidad and Tobago, André embarked on a new venture. On February 27, 1975, they proudly opened the doors of India Palace, a vibrant tourist shop nestled at the heart of Place D'Italie, Bicentenaire, Port-au-Prince.
In 1979, he co-founded Architecture Paysagiste d'Haïti (ARCHIPA S.A.), with the goal of developing landscape art and horticulture in Haiti. He received his certificate in Apiculture (beekeeping) on June 1994, and in Horticulture on January 2000.
In 1985, André and Gladys Saint-Louis embarked on a new venture, establishing Ananda Restaurant Végétarien, in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. This groundbreaking establishment became the country's first, and perhaps only, vegetarian restaurant. It served as a testament to André's commitment to promoting healthy living, aligning perfectly with the principles he imparted through his teachings.
André S. Saint-Louis possessed the gift of motivational speaking. He exhibited the gentle ability to touch, inspire and empower his students, giving them the tools to embrace lives of purpose and fulfillment. He served as a dedicated teacher, mentor, and friend to many, leaving an indelible impact on those fortunate enough to cross his path. His teachings continue to resonate with individuals seeking personal growth and spiritual enlightenment.
Amid Haiti's deep political and social insecurity, full of violence and kidnappings, André Saint-Louis transitioned from this life in July of 2005. His teachings and legacy, however, continue to inspire and provide an eternal source of hope and guidance for all those embarking on their personal journeys of growth and self-discovery.
André S. Saint-Louis’s life is a shining example of the transformative power of personal development and living a life driven by purpose, fulfillment, and the love of humanity in a world without borders.
It is also worth noting some significant milestones in André's life
Education
André attended Petit Séminaire Collège Saint Martial and Lycée Pétion in Port-au-Prince, Haiti.
He studied Accounting at I.C.S. and English at the Haitian-American Institute (L'Institut Haitiano-Américain).
Endeavors
André ventured into entrepreneurship by opening a bookstore called Librairie Le Phare (The Lighthouse Bookstore) in Port-au-Prince.
In parallel to his pursuits, André actively embraced the Baháʼí Faith and played a significant role in its ministry in Haiti. He served as the Secretary General of the Baha'i Faith ministry and later became the lead pioneer of the Baháʼí Faith in Fort-de-France, Martinique, in 1965. Upon returning to Haiti in 1966, he continued his exploration of metaphysics and founded Le Centre Unitée Universelle at #12 rue Lamarre, Port-au-Prince.
Throughout his life, André Saint-Louis devoted himself to promoting positive thinking, sharing the teachings of metaphysics, and practicing Mantra Yoga Meditation. He established the Centre de Motivation et de Développement Personnel (C.M.D.P.) while incorporating the International Société Internationale de Réalisation Divine (S.I.R.D.).
In a dynamic collaboration with a close friend hailing from Trinidad and Tobago, André embarked on an entrepreneurial journey that would leave a lasting mark. It was on the auspicious date of February 27, 1975, that they inaugurated India Palace, a charming establishment nestled in the bustling heart of Place D'Italie, Bicentenaire, Port-au-Prince. Together, they orchestrated the operations of this vibrant venture, offering a diverse array of cultural treasures to visitors and locals alike. Through dedication, passion, and a shared vision, India Palace swiftly became a beacon of cultural exchange and a testament to André's enterprising spirit.
In the summer of 1985, André fulfilled his vision by establishing Ananda Restaurant Naturo-Vegetarien, the first established vegetarian restaurant in Haiti, situated at Place d'Italie, Port-au-Prince.
Additionally, in 1989, André made significant contributions to the construction of a primary school in Mahotière, his residential area, further emphasizing his commitment to education and community development.
Furthermore, he actively supported the education of orphans through his contributions to Le Fond de Parrainage, which helped ensure that children's school fees were paid annually.
André S. Saint-Louis's journey, filled with profound teachings, entrepreneurial ventures, and a steadfast commitment to personal development, has left an indelible mark on the lives he touched. His legacy lives on through the wisdom he imparted and the lasting impact he made on individuals striving for self-discovery, growth, and spiritual enlightenment.
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