Court of Seychelles opens with multi-faith mass |11 January 2020

The need for judicial practitioners and the Seychellois people to unite even if we have diverse opinions came out clearly during the ceremony to mark the formal re-opening of the Supreme Court of Seychelles for the year 2020.

This year’s opening was held under the theme ‘Courage and Commitment’ and a religious service to that effect was held at the St Paul’s Cathedral in Victoria led by Father David Alcindor, deacon of the Diocese of Victoria, with the participation of Archdeacon Danny Elizabeth of the Anglican diocese.

The mass also included prayers from other churches and religious faiths.

Present at the mass were Vice-President Vincent Meriton; the President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Francis MacGregor; Chief Justice of the Supreme Court Mathilda Twomey; judges and Master of the Supreme Court; magistrates; registrar; secretaries of state; commissioner of police; members of the diplomatic corps; bishops; attorneys at law; members of staff of the judiciary; among other guests.

In his welcome address, Deacon Elizabeth said the task of the judiciary is valuable to all of us as they enforce the value and rule of the land so that every citizen lives in security. He also asked for God’s blessings upon them as they gather to pray each year to mark the formal opening of the Supreme Court.

The priests also had a special blessing for the judges and lawyers, court clerks and other court officials: “We plead for your abundant blessing upon all our judges and lawyers. Grant them the Wisdom of Solomon. May they always seek to protect the weak from the strong, the powerless from the powerful, individuals from unwarranted or unlawful exercise of power. Let their spirits soar as the eagle, let joy abide in their heart. May they heed the cry of the poor, the young and the old, setting free all those in need, and melting the hearts of oppressors, for the glory of your name.”

Archdeacon Elizabeth also stressed on the need for courage and commitment, saying that the hymns and prayers reflect the theme chosen this year.

He said as it exists in every profession, there are ups and downs. He urged the judiciary to allow God’s spirit to guide their actions.

The religious service was followed by a procession in Victoria.

The accompanying photographs show some highlights of the ceremony.

Text: Christophe Zialor

Photos: Louis Toussaint