Africa-Press – Seychelles. Father Gustave Lafortune has left us at the age of 86, leaving behind him a deep sadness among his relatives and friends. His death occurred yesterday, at his home in Plaisance, peacefully in his sleep.
He was under the regular care of a doctor. The news was announced by the Vicar General Father Eric Léon of the diocese of Port-Victoria, Seychelles
On November 3, Père Lafortune was going to celebrate his 87th birthday. On June 30 of this year, he celebrated his 60th anniversary of priestly ordination, a moment that we (the Seychelles NATION newspaper) had honored by dedicating a page to his exceptional journey. What marked us deeply was the statement “My goal is to continue to serve the people”, and he accomplished this objective until his last moments.
Father Lafortune was one of the oldest Catholic priests in Seychelles, having been ordained on June 30, 1963 in Switzerland. He retired in 2015 after serving for 52 years in various parishes in the country.
Born in the district of Cascade, from his childhood he nurtured a deep affection for the church. “I was a choir boy and I liked to spend my time in the church praying. One day, my brother-in-law offered me a prayer book that I cherished. The sisters of the church also gave me another prayer book that I have never left. The father of the church found it strange that when I was 12 years old, I spent so much time at the church, and one day he asked me if I wanted to become a priest. For me, it was unimaginable at the time, because there were no Seychellois priests. When I returned home, under a tree, I made the decision to become a priest,” said Père Lafortune to the Seychelles NATION newspaper in June of this year.
However, life continued for Père Lafortune, and he completed his primary education at the school of Cascade. He continued his secondary studies for five years and joined the Petit Seminary. “Then I went to Switzerland. Unfortunately, I was confronted with problems of sinusitis and I had to interrupt my journey”, he added.
But he did not give up. He persevered in his quest to become a priest, and after five years at the seminary, he was ordained on June 30, 1963 in Friborg, Switzerland.
“My mother was very happy with my choice, and after my ordination, I returned to the Seychelles in December 1964. My first mass was celebrated on Christmas Day in Cascade,” recalled Père Lafortune.
His pastoral assignments have led him to many parishes, notably Mont Fleuri for four months, Plaisance for six months, Baie Ste Anne as priest for eight years, where he began the construction of the Anse La Blague Chapel and the parish hall
Returning to Mahé, he took a leave of at least one year, then became the priest of Anse Royale for 11 years. He was then in charge of the parish of Takamaka for seven years. Afterwards, Père Lafortune had become the priest of Anse Boileau for 18 and a half years, with a period of eight years during which he was also in charge of Port Glaud and Grand Anse, and he had offered prayers at La Salette Chapel .
Later, Père Lafortune returned to Mont Fleuri for four years, before returning to his original parish in Cascade, where he was at the origin of several small constructions in the church grounds.
He retired in 2015 at the age of 78 and was transferred to the Domus for five years. Despite his retirement, Père Lafortune continued to help and advise people, and his last wish was to be buried next to his parents in Cascade.
Father Lafortune was also renowned for his contribution to the Catholic magazine L’Echo des Iles for many years, as well as for his gospel songs. He had the opportunity to remaster some of his old songs that were previously on cassettes.
His most beautiful memories reside in his commitment to helping others. “And I have only good memories. Sure, along the way, we encounter challenges, but we overcome them to continue our quest towards the divine light. Some things have happened in my life, but I have forgotten them,” he said.
Message from President Wavel Ramkalawan
The President of the Republic of Seychelles, M. Wavel Ramkalawan, sent a message of condolences to the Roman Catholic Church, the congregation, the family and friends of Father Gustave Lafortune following the news of his death.
Father Lafortune was one of the oldest Roman Catholic priests in Seychelles, ordained on June 30, 1963 in Switzerland, and he retired in 2015 after serving in various parishes in the country.
“We share the sadness of the Roman Catholic Church and the congregation, and we send you our most sincere condolences. Que l’amour de D
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