Samoa pilgrimage helps youth reconnect with roots

By CathNews New Zealand

July 17th, 2026

(Leauva’a Catholic Youth/Instagram)

Catholic youth from Auckland carried out acts of community service during a pilgrimage to Samoa that had a goal of reconnecting them with their cultural and spiritual roots. Source: Samoa Observer.

The Leauva’a Catholic youth from Auckland recently spent a week in Samoa on their Jubilee Pilgrimage. The group travelled to Samoa to reconnect with their culture while supporting local communities.

Christina Victor, one of the youth representatives, said the trip provided an opportunity for many young Samoans born or raised in New Zealand to experience aspects of their faith and heritage that are less accessible overseas.

“A lot of the youth overseas, we don’t get much exposure to this like here in Samoa,” she said. “So coming back to give back is not only fulfilling, but it feels good that we’re doing this.”

Trip organiser Aukusitino Victor said the group has visited the Mapuipulotu Home for the Aged in Savai’i, the EFKS Sunday School at Sataua where they exchanged gifts and cultural performances, and Lealatele, where Catholicism was first established in Samoa.

The group also visited the Mapuifagalele Home for the Aged, where they donated supplies to assist the Little Sisters of the Poor in caring for elderly residents.

Donated items were contributed by Samoan communities in New Zealand in support of the pilgrimage. Many members of the group prepared for their pilgrimage by visiting and praying with elderly people in their community every Sunday.

FULL STORY

Auckland Catholic youth give back during Samoa (By Ramaleh Viliamu/Samoa Observer)