VICTORIA, Seychelles — Bishop James Wong Yin Song marked the beginning of his retirement with a poignant gesture, the laying of the pastoral staff on the altar in an emotional farewell service held yesterday morning at the St Paul’s Cathedral. This act indicates that the ‘See’ is vacant. Meaning since yesterday, he has started his retirement, and the diocese will not have a bishop until the election of a new one by the electoral college (The Diocesan Synod of the Diocese of Seychelles) as per the Diocesan Constitution.
For 15 years, Bishop Wong has been a dedicated shepherd to the people of Seychelles, leading the Anglican diocese with compassion and devotion. In his final sermon, the bishop took a moment to express his gratitude to everyone who had supported him during his tenure, especially his wife, Doreen, who has been his pillar throughout this journey. ‘I also want to thank God because without his grace this 15 years will have been difficult but they have passed by in an extraordinary speed,’ Bishop Wong said.
In an interview following the service, Bishop Wong shared that this was an emotional moment for him. ‘I knew it would be very emotional. I felt it in my voice before we began. I tried to keep it in but in the final moments of the service I could not control my emotions, but it reflects my humanity,’ he said. The next step for him and his spouse is to return to Mauritius to serve under the Bishop of Mauritius. ‘If the new bishop invites me of course I will come back home to serve the Church of Seychelles because for the past 15 years I have built a deep friendship with the people,’ he expressed adding that Seychelles will always remain close to his and his wife’s hearts.
