Other former students he caught up with included Monsignor Etuale Etuale, and the the Minister of Private Enterprise Lautafi Fio Selafi Purcell.

After serving in Samoa, Fallon went into banking with Citibank in Asia for 31 years.

"Although its' been so long, the reality is it doesn't feel like I've been away," he he told SamoaFM and offered this message.:

"It feels very familiar and it just goes to show the precious nature of Samoa, its people and its culture. This is a wonderful place and if I have a message for our listeners, please be proud and continue what you have, the fa'a Samoa is well worth proclaiming to the world."

Returning after 47 years has a very special meaning as it is also a reunification of what they found while serving in Samoa. The popular Samoa Fiafia Trio whose music was the soundtrack to the lives of many.

The group reunited the surviving locally based member, Galumalemana Alfred Hunkin who taught at Leififi Intermediate with Karen Wyss another Peace Corps volunteer.

Hunkin who is back in Samoa after a long career as an educator and linguist at Victoria University in Wellington, acknowledged the Peace Corps contribution to Samoa.

"This is a celebration from the heart for me. Because I get my friends and family back (after being so long) it reminds me the wonderful Peace Corp 50 years contribution to our country."

"It's not small by any means. They influenced a whole lot of people who have become influential leaders of our country."

Source

• Talamua
• Image: Talamua

The National Council of Churches has called for Christianity to be further entrenched in the constitution.

The Archbishop said his representative on the National Council of Churches did not ask him for his opinion on the question of constitutional change.

He says it's wrong to identify Islam and terrorism, and the best way forward for all religions is peaceful dialogue.

"The Catholic Church is at the forefront of dialogue especially with non-Christian religions and I take that view too."

"I think we should open our hearts and our minds to Islam and not really rush into condemning Islam just because of terrorists."

Source

radionz.co.nz

Image: d2m2lkhawsaq1u.cloudfront.net

Last Sunday he was the celebrant and homilist of the 10:30 a.m. English Mass which is one of the National Shrine's six Sunday services.

The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception is situated on the campus of the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C.

The Mass was well attended by hundreds of regular worshippers, pilgrims, and tourists from all over the world including about 50 Samoans.

It was a special treat for Washington's small Samoan Catholic community to witness a Samoan bishop lead a service at the main Catholic Church in the nation's capital.

Johnny Toma, a leader of the Samoan Catholic community in Washington, said that they were concerned that the Archbishop could have trouble ascending the steps of the high altar especially the pulpit which is perched several feet above the altar but everything went smoothly.

The Archbishop took his time.

On the previous evening representatives from the Samoan community of Washington hosted a potluck dinner and reception in honour of the Archbishop.

The potluck was held at Malolo Bed and Breakfast, a local establishment in Washington co-owned by Samoan businessman, David Alaga.

The Archbishop spoke about his admiration of the faith of the people in America.

There are six Samoan Catholic families who meet together in Washington.

Even though they attend Mass at different parishes, they've expressed an interest in establishing their own chaplaincy within the Archdiocese of Washington.

That would give them the opportunity to celebrate their own Mass in the Samoan language by a Samoan priest.

Source

• talamua.com
• Image: talamua.com

Mata'afa is one of the royal family titles, referred to as the Tama Aiga, in Samoa.

Archbishop Alapati Lui Mataeliga conducted his final service at the Amaile Catholic Church.

Among relatives and friends who delivered eulogies was the Minister of Justice and Courts Administration, Fiame Naomi Mata'afa, who said Mata'afa Lui was the chosen one.

Noting that the "throne of David" had been unoccupied for a very long time, Fiame said there could not have been anyone better for the title.

The holders of the other titles are the Head of State, His Highness Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese Efi, Member of the Council of Deputies, Tuimaleali'ifano Va'aletoa Sualauvi II while the Malietoa title, once occupied by the late Malietoa Tanumafili II, remains vacant.

Source

• Samoa Observer
• Image: Samoa Observer

Announcing the dedication ceremony on the church TV, Archbishop Alapati Lui Mataeliga thanked the church members for their continuing support in building the church.

Leading the list of overseas guests is the Popes representative in the Pacific, Archbishop Martin Krebs who is based in Wellington, New Zealand.

Built by Father Ricky Bernard and a team of local builders, the project relied on the financial support of the church members.

The dedication ceremony includes traditional presentations by various parishes and entertainment to be provided by the Catholic college students at the Tofamamao Pastoral Centre, Leauva'a.

Source

• Talamua
• Image: Talamua.com

This year has been one of surprise for the Catholics of Samoa at events at the tip of the hierarchy of their church.

First there was the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI and now, yesterday, the election of Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio as his replacement.

"We are all surprised," said Father Ioane Ono, who as Chancellor is head of the church's Chancery Office in Apia.

"For Cardinal Bergoglio's name was never mentioned in public speculations as a likely candidate for the Papacy," said Father Ono.

"It shows the difference between what is on the minds of humans and God's plans," he said.

"What direction Pope Francis 1 will take the church of 1.2 billion members is an intriguing question for Catholics here."

"For the time being we're happy we have a Pope," said Father Ono.

On Thursday afternoon Ono was at working on a draft statement of congratulations and thanksgivings on behalf of Samoan Catholics to be sent to Pope Francis.

Once Archbishop Alapati Mataelega approves the statement it will be read at the mass tomorrow and sent to the Papal Nuncio office in Wellington, New Zealand, for delivery to the pope.

Source

• Talamua
• Image: Talenei.com

"Rev Oka was a man of God," says the Archbishop. "He was not just a man for one denomination, he was a man for all denominations.

"He touched lives wherever he went. When he spoke, people listened. No one can replace Oka, the wisdom and knowledge he possessed was a rarity." The passing away of Rev Elder Fauolo last week has become the source of great sadness for thousands of Samoans who admired his life and work.

Archbishop Mataeliga says Rev Fauolo was "a dear friend, spiritual advisor and a true Christian leader.

"Even though he didn't speak at many occasions towards his last days, people felt blessed from him through his prayers."

Oka Fauolo was former Chairman of Samoa's Council of Churches. Within his own Congregational Christian Church of Samoa, he had been its General Secretary and Chairman. He was for many years the Principal of Malua Theological College.

Source

• Samoa Observer
• Samoa Observer
• Image: The Samoa Times