First Lady Cynthia Malala Moliga, directors, Chief of Staff Fiu Johnny Saelua, HC Moananu Va and the Department of Human and Social Services choir brought smiles to the residents and staff of Hope House yesterday.
It was the First Lady’s annual Christmas visit and gift presentation to the home for the elderly and children with severe disabilities.
Toleafoa Kathryn McCutchan who’s overseeing Hope House said the majority of the 19 elderly residents were able to witness the love, empathy and spirit of the Holiday Season shared by the First Lady and government representatives.
“It was a morning filled with emotion, as with many small communities, members of the delegation knew some of our residents, are close relatives, have personal and family relationships .. as people embraced each other with a mix of joy, sadness, sorrow and prayers for strength, health and recovery,” said Toleafoa.
Deacon Malaki Timu offered an opening prayer, Moananu Va gave traditional salutations and the First Lady gave remarks.
The cabinet was represented by all the women leading various departments and agencies of the government.
Gifts were presented for each of the 19 residents, Bishop Peter Brown as well as the SMSM Sisters, Sr. Palepa and Sr. Soana.
Toleafoa said, “It was a very sentimental event as there was a feeling of closure with this being the last official visit by the First Lady during this administration.”
Mrs Moliga reminisced about when she received an invitation to attend the dedication of Hope House (then Nazareth House) from Cardinal Pio Taofinuu and she attended, accompanied by her mother.
She spoke of her experience as a Hope House board member and realizing that Hope House serves people from all walks of life, various economic backgrounds, and from diverse religious affiliations – not just for Catholics.
The First Lady also spoke of how many people feel that bringing a loved one to Hope House is deemed as an act that is contrary to our cultural tradition of caring for our elderly. However, times have changed and families have different situations they are faced with and they need help.
She acknowledged the hard work and dedication provided by the caregivers and thanked them for their service to the elderly and thanked Bishop and Chairman Sanitoa for their leadership.
The event culminated with the First Lady presenting ASG’s donation to Hope House of $25,000 to Most Reverend Bishop Peter Brown and a taualuga.
Bishop Brown accepted the various gifts and donation on behalf of the elderly residents, Hope House board, management and staff.
He indicated that the Bishop alone and Hope House would not be able to provide the critical services available without the constant support from the government.
It has been and continues to be a partnership to serve the most vulnerable segment of our community.
Bishop Brown acknowledged the First Lady as the patroness of Hope House and thanked her for her service on the Hope House board.
Me invited her to continue to serve as a board member once her duties as the Masiofo are completed and she is still residing in American Samoa.
Bishop presented a special gift for Governor Lolo Moliga thanking him for his service and leadership as Governor and a beautiful bouquet of flowers for the First Lady.
