Amid challenges, Samoa begins a Jubilee of Hope

Archbishop Mosese Tui SDB spoke at the celebration on March 2, which included a parade from Parliament House at Mulinuu to the Catholic Cathedral at Mulivai. It attracted hundreds of Catholic faithful from all over Samoa. 

“Prepare your land, family, ocean and everything created by God. But, on top of it all, is creating great relationships between you and others. That is the goal of the year of the Jubilee,” Archbishop Tui said.

The archbishop told the faithful that, when Jesus conquered the cross, he secured everything needed for people’s journey. However, Archbishop Tui said, the problem many Catholics face is they don’t know how great they are. 

He asked the people present if they really appreciated the beauty of the Mass.

“The majority of us, after the homily and prayers of the faithful, fall asleep. Your homework for this year is to read the words of the Mass,” he said.

The Catholic faithful should always listen to the words of the Mass, and have seminars with their parish priest and deacons, the archbishop said. He added that parish priests should challenge their parishioners about the importance of the Mass.

Parish priests must also encourage families to have family evenings. He reminded parents that they must ensure their children are all accounted for at home in the evening. He said drug use is on the rise in Samoa, affecting youth.

The archbishop also reminded the Catholic faithful to challenge themselves to forgive their enemies and reach out to those who need help.

Archbishop Tui was appointed to his current position by Pope Francis in June last year. Before the appointment, he was the parish priest of St Paul’s Parish in Massey in West Auckland.

FULL STORY

Archbishop lays down challenge at Jubilee of Hope (By Vaelei Von Dincklage/Samoa Observer)

West Auckland parish priest Fr Mosese Tui SDB appointed Archbishop of Samoa-Apia – New Zealand Catholic Bishops Conference (NZCBC)