Holy Father praises economic, educational endeavors of the Seychelles Islands

Vatican City, Dec 19, 2008 / 14:48 pm

Today at the Vatican, Benedict XVI received the Letters of Credence of Graziano Luigi Triboldi, the new ambassador of the Seychelles Islands to the Holy See.  He praised the country’s efforts to improve both its economy and education system to pave the success of future generations.

 

After recalling the beauty of the 115-island country, the Holy Father praised the emphasis that Seychelles has placed on improving its economic situation so its future generations will not be burdened with debt.  It would be “unjust if the human beings of our age were to shirk their obligations and thus bring the weight of their decisions or their inaction onto the generations to come,” he remarked.

 

The Seychelles Islands are located in the Indian Ocean, northeast of the African country, Madagascar.

 

The Pontiff also praised the country’s efforts in establishing a successful educational system of quality" inviting all, "whatever their level of responsibility, to follow this path and to sow generously for the future."

 

However, he continued, the concern for “education would be useless” if the institution of the family was too fragile. “Families constantly need the help and support of political powers. There is a profound harmony between the duties of the family and those of the State. Encouraging synergy between the two means to work effectively for a future of peace and prosperity."

 

"The local Church spares no effort to help families, supporting them with the light of the Gospel that brings out all the grandeur and beauty of the 'mystery' of the family, and helping them to assume their educational responsibilities."

 

The Holy Father then greeted the Catholics of Seychelles, inviting them to build a society “in which each can find the path of personal and collective growth.”