A large number of reefs within the inner granitic islands of the archipelago of Seychelles could be entirely lost, unless concerted action is taken soon to control crown of thorns, warns Dr. Udo Englhardt, the expert on on the management of crown of thorns in a...
We intent to bring you updates on Seychelles travel offers provided by various travel partners around the world.
If you have a story on Seychelles, please share it with us.
St Paul’s Cathedral, Seychelles
A prominent landmark in Seychelles, St. Paul’s Cathedral, is the cathedral of the diocese and the main Anglican parish church of Victoria, Mahé. It is also the seat of the Bishop of Seychelles. The original church was once consecrated to the apostle St. Paul and stood on the site of the present church. It was blessed on 14 May 1859 by Vincent William Ryan, the first bishop of Mauritius. Over the years, the building has been extended twice: 1910 with a new tower and 1978 with an offset altar. In 1862, it withstood the Lavalas to provide shelter to families and the storage of food for people following the devastating landslide.
In December 1920 St. Paul’s became a pro-cathedral, and the name of the diocese changed from Diocese of Mauritius to the Diocese of Mauritius and the Seychelles. It was decided in 2001 to completely renew the structure. The cathedral, which was then blessed on 25 April 2004, was financed with generous donations from the government and private individuals and now offers double capacity for 800 people.
St Paul’s Cathedral is located within walking distance of the Clock tower on Albert Street. Parking is available at the Stadium Car Park on Francis Rachel Street.
The stalls are in dark wood, while the walls and also the flat ceiling are white washed. White columns make the church look as having three naves. The lancet windows have stained glass in the upper part, the floor is made from polished flagstones.
As of 1973 the Seychelles had its own bishop and so also own cathedral. In the same year within structural reforms the Anglican ‘Church of the Province of the Indian Ocean’ was established, encompassing Madagascar, Mauritius, Reunion and Seychelles.
Seychellois James Wong is the new Anglican Archbishop of the Indian Ocean province overseeing parishes in Mauritius, Madagascar and Seychelles. He is the second Bishop of the Diocese of Seychelles to be elected for the position. He succeeds Ian Ernest from Mauritius. Wong was ordained an Anglican priest in 1983. He was afterwards the archdeacon of Mauritius and the rector of St Thomas’ Beau Bassin. He was elected the fourth bishop of the Diocese of the Seychelles in 2009. Wong was granted Seychelles citizenship on 11 May 2017. He was elected archbishop of the Province of the Indian Ocean, at the provincial synod, held at St. Andrew’s Church, Quatre-Bornes, Mauritius, on 26 August 2017, assuming office the following day.
Mass Times:
Monday-Friday | 7:30 a.m
Saturday | 5:15 p.m. (Anticipatory)
Sunday: 8:00 a.m. | 10:00 a.m. | 12:00 Noon | 5:00 p.m.Church Hours:
Monday- Friday: 7:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Saturday: 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Sunday: 7:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Confessions:
Monday-Friday: 3:45- 5:00 p.m.
Saturday: 3:30-5:00 p.m.Parish Office Hours (Rectory at 239 Selby Ave.) :
Monday- Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.Public Tours
Guided tours are offered Tuesday – Friday at 1:00 p.m. l
Sponsored ad.
