Archbishop-elect Professes Faith and Oath of Fidelity

Staff Reporters/

Apia, Samoa – 21 August 2024 – The Ordination of the Archbishop-elect of Samoa Apia, Mosese Vitolio Tui SDB, began this morning with a Mass at the St. Michel Church, Leauva’a and ceremony of the Profession of Faith and Oath of Fidelity.

The Mass was led by Cardinal Soane Patita Paini Mafi – Cardinal of Tonga and President of CPAC Oceania as well as Bishop Peter Brown and the Secretary of the Nuncio of the Pacific and Oceania.

The ceremony was followed by the presentation of gifts from various sections of the church as well as the representatives of the church where the Archbishop-elect served in Massey, New Zealand immediately before his appointment.

At 4.00 this afternoon, a Royal Ava Ceremony will be performed by the Archbishop-elect’s village of Safotu, Savaii at the St Theresa pastoral grounds at Leauva’a.

Cardinal Soane Patita Paini Mafi of Tonga conducting Mass and ceremony of the Profession of Faith and Oath of Fidelity of the new Archbishop of Samoa Apia at Leauva’a this morning. 

For over thirty years, the Catholic Church in Samoa has incorporated significant cultural ceremonies in its worship such as performing the Ifoga as part of the penitential rites and prayers for forgiveness and the presentation of cultural gifts as part of the offerings during Mass.

The ordination ceremony of Archbishop Mosese will be at 1000 Thursday at the St. Therese Pastoral Centre, Leauvaa to be followed by cultural presentations.

At 1000 on Friday morning, Archbishop Mosese will conduct his first Mass at the St. Therese Pastoral Centre, Leauvaa and will be followed by entertainment by the church youth.

Parliament today postponed the rest of the weeks sitting to allow for the Prime Minister, Cabinet and Members to take part in the ordination ceremonies.

The Catholic church is the second largest church denomination in Samoa.

An educator and Salesian priest, Mosese is well known for his humor in delivering his message and his practical approach and hardwork behind setting up trades training for young men through the Don Bosco colleges in Upolu and Savaii.

He replaces the late Archbishop Alapati Lui Mateiliga who passed way in New Zealand in April 2023.

Talamua will carry the livestream of the Ava Ceremony, Ordination and Mass of the new Archbishop through Talamua Media’s YouTube Channel:

https://talamua.com/2024/08/21/faauuga-o-le-tama-o-le-puleaga-faa-akiepikopo-a-samoa-apia/