Apia, Samoa, 26 August 2024 -- On 22 August 2024, the Archdiocese of Samoa Apia was filled with joy and reverence as it celebrated the Episcopal Ordination of Father Mosese Vitolio Tui SDB as its new Archbishop. He is also the first Salesian priest to take on this important role in the Archdiocese of Samoa Apia. The celebrations coincided with the Feast Day of the Queenship of Mary, adding a profound spiritual significance to the ordination. Bishop Peter Brown was the main celebrant at the ordination.
Father Peter Hoang was able to attend the ordination together with Salesian Sisters and Priests and Brothers from Fiji, Australia, New Zealand and Samoa.
The ceremony was graced by the presence of Cardinal Soane Patita Paini Mafi, president of the CEPAC and numerous bishops from across the Pacific. A representative from the Holy See was also in attendance. The celebrations began the day prior, on 21 August, with a solemn Profession of Faith and an Oath of Fidelity held at St Michael the Archangel Parish in Leauva’a, followed by an Ava ceremony.
The liturgy unfolded beautifully, a testament to the meticulous preparation by the Liturgy Committee, which brought together both religious and lay participants in collaboration. Everyone involved contributed their time and talents, resulting in a rich and meaningful celebration. The combined choirs from various parishes (Choir from New Zealand) and schools added a vibrant layer to the ordination with hymns and cherished traditional offertory.
Archbishop Mosese Tui celebrated his first Mass at St Therese Tofamamao on the 23rd, marking a new chapter in his ministry and the life of the Archdiocese. Following the Mass, refreshment was offered. The ordination was further enhanced by entertainments performed by youth groups from a local parish (Falefa and Faleapuna) and Vicariates (Holy Family and Saint Paul VI), as well as students from Don Bosco Technical School and College in Salelologa and Alafua.
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