Prison service celebrates Feast of St Adrian for second time |10 September 2020

Picture of the assembled guests, staff and inmates

• New date for Prison Day announced

The Seychelles Prison Service on Tuesday celebrated for the second time the Feast of St Adrian which is observed on September 8 each year.

The prison service adopted St Adrian as its patron saint of prison guards at a special ceremony held last year at the parish of St Francis at Baie Lazare.

Adrian of Nicodemia, Turkey was martyred in 306 A.D. Converting to Christianity while in service as an imperial guard to Emperor Diocletianus, he suffered as a result of defending those in custody and awaiting trial in the imperial courts.

Once again this year staff, invited guests who included inmates, gathered for a special mass that recalled his service and recognised the service and diligence of staff who today serve to safeguard the nation as prison guards.

Certainly the role of prison staff today is evolving with more emphasis on social care and positive guidance of inmates under care once sentenced.

Supporting the special observation was Father Yves, the chaplain to the prison, and Father Bruno.

The Superintendent of Prisons, Raymond St Ange, confirmed that going forward the prison service, as it continues to develop, would mark its Prison Day on September 8 each year. Prison Day will provide an opportunity for the service to hold recruitment drives, meet students and update the nation on the work of the service, among other activities.

To end the observation Father Yves blessed several new vehicles now in the prison transport fleet along with those attending.

Contributed by the Seychelles Prison Service

Photo sources: Seychelles Prison Service