CEPAC Plenary Assembly officially opens at Fatu-o-Aiga

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The Holy Eucharist celebration for the Episcopal Conference of the Pacific (CEPAC) Plenary Assembly took place at the Holy Family Cathedral in Fatuoaiga, Tafuna, on Wednesday, August 6, 2025.

His Excellency, the Most Reverend Bishop Kolio T. Etuale, D.D., presided over the Eucharistic celebration. Joining as co-celebration was the esteemed Bishops of the CEPAC Plenary Assembly.

The homily was delivered by His Excellency, Archbishop Mosese Vitolio Tui of the Archdiocese of Apia Samoa, who offered spiritual insights and reflections.

The liturgical service was coordinated by the Master of Ceremonies, Diocese Liturgist Rev. Fr. Kelemete L. Pua’auli, together with the Diocese Youth Chaplain, Rev. Fr. Ralph Solomona.

The Chairman of the Pago Pago Diocese, Fai’ivae Iuli Godinet, warmly welcomed all attendees prior to the commencement of the service, highlighting the importance of the occasion.

Deacons Shaira Uiagalelei and Michael Iosefo assisted the main celebrant during the service, accompanied by the altar servers and ushers from the Holy Family Cathedral Fatuoaiga Parish, with the support of the Diocesan Liturgical Committee and Youth Officers.

The featured choirs were combined parish youths from distinct zones: Central Youth Zone (Nu’uuli, Tafuna, Iliili, Aoloau, Pavaiai, and Futiga Parishes), Eastern Youth Zone (Lauli’i, Sailele, Masefau, Fagaitua, Aoa, Amouli, and Alao Parishes), Fagaloa Bay Zone (Afono, Aua, Leloaloa, Pago Pago, Fagasa, Fagatogo, Utulei, and Faga’alu Parishes), and the Western Youth Zone (Malaeloa, Vailoa, Leone, Asili, Afao, and Amanave Parishes).

In attendance and representing the American Samoa Government were Governor Pula’ali’i Nikolao Pula, Lt. Gov. Pulumataala Ae Ae Jr., and Senate President Tuaolo M. Fruean.

The celebration was a an opportunity for the faithful to unite in a spirit of devotion and fellowship, reflecting on the shared mission and enduring values of the Holy Church.

Shortly after the liturgical Mass, the program shifted to the Fatuoaiga field to begin the Ava Ceremony led by the Leone village.

A luncheon and featured entertainment performance by the Pago Pago and Tafuna Catholic Youth groups followed.

The celebration culminated with blessings from His Excellency Ryan Jimenez, Archbishop of Agana, Guam.

Yesterday evening, the CEPAC Plenary Assembly officially began Recollection facilitated by Brother Ian Cribb SJ.