Deacon Louis Agathine: A life of service that goes beyond duty |10 October 2026

Deacon Louis Agathine and other members of the Seychellois military contingent at the final resting place of their departed comrade in Mauritius

As Deacon Louis Agathine celebrates his birthday today, we honour not only the man, but also a ministry of faith, compassion and dedication that often unfolds quietly, far from public attention.

As the only permanent Catholic deacon in Seychelles, Deacon Louis carries a special responsibility within the Church. His ministry reminds us that serving God is not confined to the altar, but extends into the lives of those who need accompaniment, encouragement and, sometimes, simply to be remembered.

One beautiful testimony of this vocation emerged during a regional military exercise in Mauritius, where Deacon Louis demonstrated that the work of a military chaplain goes far beyond offering prayers.

For years, efforts had been made to locate the grave of José Bouchereau, a former Seychellois soldier who lost his life in Mauritius in 1983. With limited information and the passing of more than four decades, the search had proved difficult.

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