Large crowd celebrates Feast of the Assumption |22 August 2014

The road leading up to Grand Anse on La Digue island was already busy before 8am on August 15, with locals and visitors alike going to the grotto where the effigy of the Virgin Mary was.

The Feast of the Assumption has always been marked by celebrations at the grotto and this year this was no exception. Beautifully decorated with blue and white roses, and blue ribbons, the effigy of the Virgin Mary was being adored by many who had gathered at the grotto.

Welcoming the small congregation gathered, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese Denis Wiehe wished them a blessed Feast of Assumption.

Bishop Wiehe then preached shortly on the Assumption of Mary, before blessing the effigy and the crowd.

From the grotto, the procession began, led by Bishop Wiehe and the clergy, they went down the Grand Anse road.

All along there were prayers being recited, song of praises being sung and flower girls showered confetti over the effigy of the Virgin Mary which was being carried by a group of men and young boys.

Residents of the islands had also placed a statue of the Virgin Mary with lit candles in front of their residences for Bishop Wiehe and the clergy to bless.

The procession marched up to the St. Mary's church, taking less than an hour. There, the church was already packed with churchgoers who had gathered especially for the special mass. Among the congregation were the Minister for Tourism and Culture Alain St Ange, principal secretary for culture Benjamine Rose, chief executive of the Seychelles Tourism Board Sherin Naiken anad its deputy chief executive Nathalie Didon.

Presided by Bishop Wiehe and the clergy, the mass was a lively one, with the choir leading the songs of praise to the Virgin Mary.

This year tourists who combined a holiday with this La Digue event were in the church in large numbers sitting and praying alongside the hundreds of Seychellois believers.

As he ended the mass, the Bishop congratulated Minister St Ange for his work to unite everyone behind this annual Catholic Church event.

Contributed