For all people to live free from violence, in safety and security, and with hope for the future, while those who have been affected by violence as they rebuild their lives may they find it in their hearts to move forward in peace and forgiveness, were the main highlights of a special mass held yesterday afternoon at the chapel of the St Joseph Convent in Victoria.
The mass was organised by the Seychelles National Choir (SNC) in collaboration with the Diocese of Port Victoria, and the St Joseph Convent in Seychelles.
It was aimed at bringing people from various religious denominations together to pray for world peace at a time when many innocent people are suffering from the impact of violent conflicts in many parts of the world.
Celebrated by Bishop Alain Harel, yesterday’s mass also coincided with the Ascension of Jesus which is the Christian teaching that Christ physically departed from Earth by rising into Heaven, in the presence of eleven of his apostles.
According to the New Testament narrative, the Ascension occurred on the fortieth day counting from the resurrection.
Explaining the Ascension of Jesus, according to St Augustine, Bishop Harel said He did not leave heaven when He came down to us, nor did He withdraw from us when He went up again into heaven.
The fact that He was in heaven even while He was on earth is borne out by His own statement: ‘No one has ever ascended into heaven except the one who descended from heaven, the Son of Man, who is in heaven’.
Source: Seychelles Nation