On Sunday 12th April 2026, the Church of Seychelles witnessed a unique and solemn celebration at the Immaculate Conception Cathedral. The Mass was presided by the Most Rev. Monsignor Fridolin Ambongo Besungu, Archbishop of Kinshasa and President of SECAM and was attended by the President of Seychelles Dr Patrick Herminie, First Lady Veronique Herminie, and Vice President Sebastien Pillay. The ceremony attended by many faithful highlighted the deep spiritual importance of the occasion.
The ordination of Monsignor Landry Philippe Rasamison as the new Bishop of Port Victoria represents a new chapter for the Diocese. As the 11th Bishop since its establishment in 1892, he succeeds Bishop Alain Harel, who stepped down after years of dedicated service.
Having served in Seychelles for 13 years as parish priest in La Misère and Anse aux Pins, and now a naturalised Seychellois, Bishop Rasamison begins his mission of guiding the spiritual life of the Diocese under the blessing and leadership present at this sacred ceremony.
The event brought together clergy, government officials, and members of the faithful in a strong spirit of unity, faith, and national cohesion. Tribute was also paid to Bishop Alain Harel for his valued contribution to the Church and the Seychellois people.
In a statement following a meeting with the President on matters related to education of the youth, the newly ordained Bishop stated: «We must continue to invest in our young people. When they are given a place and properly guided, it is the country as a whole that benefits. The Church does not intend to introduce anything new, but is simply seeking to exercise its established rights. In a context where there are multiple faith based beliefs, the emphasis is on mutual respect».