The Superior General of the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Cluny, Sister Claire Houareau, paid a courtesy call on President James Michel at State House, this morning. Sister Claire, a Seychellois national, is in the country on an official visit and was accompanied by Sister Nita Servina and Sister Alice Vivien from the Sisters of St. Joseph of Cluny, Seychelles.

The President congratulated Sister Claire on her work in her post as the head of the congregation, which is based in Paris. Sister Claire was appointed the Head of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Cluny in Paris, France in 2012.

Sister Claire spoke about the changes she has seen in Seychelles after a long absence from the country and the importance as Christians to be more understanding and to help others.

Speaking to the national press, Sister Claire said, “I have a lot of faith in the people of Seychelles, especially the youth. After 13 years of absence from the country; I can see that it has developed, a lot of things have changed, especially on the material and facility level. Those that have gone to study abroad and have returned are responsible for important posts in the country and are taking the leadership roles.  It’s a pity, though, from what I’ve seen, that the society has become more materialistic, maybe more individualistic and does not think of others enough. But I hope that with time, our young people will realize this in view that there are needs in our country, social ills that those young people need to see and solve it. After all, it is our people and if we do not resolve those problems then we are not attending to all our responsibilities as Christian,”.

The Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Cluny is an international missionary congregation of the Roman Catholic Church, which has had a presence in Seychelles for more than 150 years.

Also present at the meeting was the Secretary General of the Office of the Executive Office of the President, Mrs. Lise Bastienne and Chief Press Secretary, Ms. Srdjana Janosevic.