(Seychelles News Agency) - In 32-degree Celcius heat and 66 percent humidity, Christians in the Seychelles archipelago today thronged the streets to re-enact the Stations of the Cross, the procession of torture Jesus is believed to have been forced to undertake before being crucified over two thousand years ago.

All across the country of 90,000 people located in the western Indian Ocean, Roman Catholics gathered to observe the annual Easter ritual that takes place on Good Friday to feel what Christ could have endured before being crucified.

Catholic processions took place today in most of the 25 districts of the Seychelles, scattered across the main populated islands of Mahé, Praslin and La Digue.

On the public holiday of Good Friday, the capital's streets would be otherwise deserted if not for the massive procession of Roman Catholics re-enacting the Stations of the Cross (Patrick Joubert, Seychelles News Agency) Photo license: CC-BY

The largest gathering was held in the capital of Seychelles, Victoria, where hundreds of people marched for about two hours through the streets, stopping at different stations to sing hymns and pray.

The main feature of the processions is a wooden cross that leads the way, passed on from one person to another along the way.

Despite the relentless sun, some participants have partaken in this ritual for many years.

The last Station was preceded by a procession of about 400 schoolchildren walking through the Cathedral grounds. The procession ended with more prayers and hymns upon reaching the Cathedral.In the Seychelles capital of Victoria on the main inhabited island of Mahé, the procession began at the car park of the Victoria commercial port and progressed through the main streets of the capital to reach the imposing Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception about two hours later.

The faithful head into the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception after the long procession to pray and sing hymns. (Patrick Joubert, Seychelles News Agency) Photo license: CC-BY

Sincerity and devotion

Claudianne Maria 62 of Bel Air District, who takes part every year said: “The sacrifice of Jesus Christ dying on the Cross is indeed something very great. We must reflect upon it and this should make our faith stronger.”

Raymonde Accouche, 77, said this was the first time she had taken part in the Stations of the Cross in Victoria, as she usually participates at Plaisance, a parish in the capital's southern suburb. 

“On Good Friday, we need to pray and ask God for forgive our sins. Jesus died on that day to save humanity,” she said. “To me, it is the most important day in the Christian calendar, along with Easter.”

Some adults had come to accompany children preparing for their Holy Communion. This was the case of senior police officer Peter Dacambra, 40, who had accompanied his 9-year-old son, Joshua.

He has been taking part in the ceremony every year, though he usually goes to Cascade, his parish, about 8 kilometres from Victoria.

The streets of the tiny capital were filled with believers, young and old (Patrick Joubert, Seychelles News Agency) Photo license: CC-BY

 “In Cascade, it is much more of a sacrifice, as we have to walk up the hill amid huge granite boulders to complete the 14 stations,” he told SNA.

“It also allows more time for reflection on Christ's supreme sacrifice. Christ sacrificed his life to save us and the world. This should serve as an example of his sincerity and utmost devotion.”

Anna Amade, 40, was also accompanying her 8-year-old daughter Zera.

“Since Jesus died on the Cross to save humanity, this Station of the Cross is a small way to thank him. It can also be considered a day or mourning for all of us. We pray that we emerge with our souls purified and being closer to Christ and our Church.”

A widespread tradition

Other faithful prefer to travel in their own parish districts by walking in courses specially created for the occasion.

The more adventurous go up into the mountains of Trois Freres overlooking the capital, and enjoy the panoramic view upon arrival at the top.

On the second most populated island of Praslin, the Roman Catholic population also commemorated the sacrifice of their saviour.

Easter is the most important Catholic feast for the Seychelles, as the majority of its population – around 76 percent – is Catholic. During the public holiday on Good Friday and throughout the Easter weekend, the churches are likely to be filled with the faithful.

Hot and tired, but still devoted: a long line of Praslinois wind their way across the island to their final destination. (Romano Laurence, Seychelles News Agency) Photo license: CC-BY