Hundreds of Seychellois Christians walk in procession on Good Friday

Christians from the Roman Catholic Church took part in the religious tradition which is done every year on Good Friday in Seychelles. (Seychelles News Agency)

(Seychelles News Agency) - Hundreds of believers marched in prayers in the Seychelles’ capital of Victoria to commemorate the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ at Calvary on Good Friday.

The Way of the Cross procession in the capital this year had a different route compared to previous years. The event started at 9 a.m. at the Stad Popiler’s car park, went up Bel Eau road and ended at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception at around 11.30 a.m.

Christians from the Roman Catholic Church took part in the religious tradition which is done every year on Good Friday in Seychelles, an archipelago in the western Indian Ocean.

The procession commemorates the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ at Calvary on Good Friday. (Seychelles News Agency) Photo License: CC-BY

Lindy Auguste, a participant in the Way of the Cross procession, told SNA that despite the scorching sun, she has come down to pay homage “to our saviour Jesus Christ.

“It is a sacrifice I have to make to honour his will to die for us on the cross. Walking a few hours in the sun will not kill compared to what he endured,” said Auguste.

Another participant Gerard Denis said that “if there had not been this day, there would have been no us. Jesus died for our sins. I am marching today to thank him for the light and the life he has given for me and this nation.”

“I am also praying today to ask for Jesus’ blessing for my family and me. I pray that he keeps us together in good health always,” added Denis.

Rolderick Vital, a 55-year-old from the northern Bel Ombre district, said that this day is one for great reflection and penitence after Lent.

He said that a lot of people celebrate Easter Sunday with a huge feast, but do not take time to commemorate Good Friday and to share the pain of the Messiah.

A special Way of the Cross procession was also organised for children who are doing their Holy Communion and Holy Confirmation this year.

Shirley Nourrice, one of the participants in the children’s procession from the central district of Plaisance, told SNA that she is not a very religious person, but she has made it for her son Tyron Victor, who is going to do his Holy Communion.

“Victor said that he is very happy to have joined with other children to commemorate this day.”

As is customary every year, the Way of the Cross processions take place in most of the Roman Catholic parishes in the island nation on Good Friday.