The Holy Family Cathedral at Fatuoaiga was packed Wednesday morning for the opening Mass of the Plenary Assembly of the Episcopal Conference of the Pacific.
The Mass was led by the leader of the local Catholic Church, Bishop Kolio Tumanuvao Etuale and concelebrated by bishops, archbishops and a cardinal from neighboring diocese. Among them Cardinal Soane Patita Paini Mafi of Tonga, the archbishops of Fiji, Samoa, Guam, French Polynesia and New Caledonia and Bishops of Vanuatu, Caroline Islands, Northern Marianas, Kiribati and Nauru and the Diocese of Tefenuaenata and prefecture Apostolic of the Marshall Islands.
All 18 parishes of the Diocese were represented at the Mass and youth of the diocese provided hymns, delivered the Bible readings and offered prayers.
Governor Pulaalii Nikolao Pula, Lt Governor Pulumataala Ae Ae Jr and Senate President Tuaolo Manaia Fruean and Mrs Fiapaipai Fruean were also present.
The Arhcbishop of Samoa, His Grace Mosese Vitolio Tui delivered the homily at the Mass, and reflected on the beginning of the church community as told in the Book of the Acts of the Apostles. He said the early church was strong because there was a sense of communion and looking after one another.
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Known for his humor the Archbishop brought laughter when he commented about the level of hospitality they’ve received, commenting he’s never been escorted by police before.
Following Mass the village of Leone, performed an ava ceremony to welcome the delegates from around the Pacific and youth of the diocese provided entertainment.
The CEPAC conference ends Sunday.
