Off island guests for the ordination of the first Samoan Bishop, for the Diocese of Samoa-Pago Pago, started arriving last week.
In addition to Heads of State, Prime Ministers, the papal delegate, Archbishops, Bishops and priests, relatives of Bishop-elect Fr. Kolio Tumanuvao Etuale are traveling from the United States, New Zealand, and Samoa.
Pope Francis will be represented by the Nuncio Archbishop Novatus Rugambwa, who is based in New Zealand.
Archbishop Novatus Rugambwa
Samoa’s Head of State Tuimalealiifano Vaaletoa Sualauvi II and Masiofo Faamausili, former Head of State Tuiatua Tupua Tamasese and Masiofo Filifilia, and Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mataafa, have confirmed their attendance.
Archbishop Alapati Mataeliga of the Archdiocese of Samoa-Apia is leading a large contingent of priests to the ordination.
The Archbishop of Fiji, Peter Loi Chong, is also attending.
Archbishop Peter Loi Chong
Local dignitaries, led by Governor Lemanu Peleti Mauga, have also been invited to the Mass and ceremonies for the ordination of the new Bishop.
The Episcopal Mass of Ordination takes place at the Holy Family Cathedral at 9am, this Friday, led by Bishop Peter Brown, assisted by the Nuncio Archbishop Novatus Rugambwa and Archbishop Alapati.
Media Committee for Ordination
Traditional ceremonies which will include taalolo —a larger scale traditional presentation of gifts— takes place following the Mass of Ordination. Then, on Saturday at 10 am, the new Bishop will offer his first Mass at the Holy Family Cathedral.
