PLAISANCE, Seychelles — Faithful Christians including many children gathered at St Therese Church in Plaisance yesterday for a candlelight remembrance mass honouring those who have died from HIV and AIDS, supporting those living with the virus, and challenging the stigma that continues to surround the disease. The service, organised by the HIV and AIDS Support Organisation Haso in collaboration with St Therese Church, commemorated the International AIDS Candlelight Memorial observed annually on the third Sunday of May. The memorial seeks to honour lives lost, support those living with HIV, and confront stigma through community solidarity and open acknowledgment of the disease’s impact.
The continued observance of HIV and AIDS remembrance services in Seychelles reflects both the ongoing presence of the disease in the community and the persistent stigma that prevents some affected individuals from seeking treatment and support. For families who have lost loved ones to AIDS-related illnesses, the public acknowledgment of their grief provides a space for mourning that may otherwise remain private and isolated. For those currently living with HIV, visible community support sends a message that they are not alone and that their health status does not diminish their dignity or place in society. The involvement of faith communities is particularly significant given the role churches play in shaping social attitudes.
The memorial service at St Therese Church represents ongoing efforts by Haso to maintain visibility for HIV and AIDS issues within Seychellois society, coordinating with faith communities to reach broader audiences. The candles carried by participants symbolise both remembrance of the dead and hope for those living with the disease, creating a visual representation of solidarity that extends beyond the church walls. The timing on the International AIDS Candlelight Memorial ensures Seychelles participates in a global observance that connects local experiences with the worldwide struggle against the epidemic.
Parish priest Father Moise Datta presided over the service, engaging warmly with the children present and urging Haso to continue reaching out to communities across Seychelles to raise awareness and provide support. In his sermon, Father Datta reminded the congregation that Jesus is living in spirit within every one of us and that during the Ascension, Jesus was with the disciples in spirit. He called on his disciples not to be afraid to go out and spread the word of God, as He was with them in spirit and is their protector, as He is for every one of us.
Alvin Laurence, a friend of Haso who praised the organisation’s zero tolerance for discrimination against people living with HIV and AIDS, offered testimony during the service. He called on citizens to follow this example to help eliminate stigma nationwide. Speaking to Seychelles NATION, Haso chairperson Justin Fremont emphasised the urgent need for Seychelles to intensify efforts toward achieving the 2030 Sustainable Development Goal of eliminating HIV, noting that while many countries are making progress, Seychelles is lagging behind.
Fremont stressed that decisive action is needed to address HIV and AIDS alongside emerging health challenges, warning that the words HIV would continue to be heard in Seychelles beyond 2030 unless urgent steps are taken to accelerate prevention and treatment programmes.
