| Background: I am from Samoa. All my life I grew up in Samoa with my parents and siblings. I have four brothers and four sisters. I am right in the middle or the fifth child from the elders. My parents are still alive at the moment. We are not a wealthy family but we are happy to accept and enjoy what is there for us each day we live. I am a converted Catholic. My dad is a Catholic but my mom belongs to the LMS or the Protestant Church. In 2006 we became Catholic under the guidance of my grandmother. Now I am a seminarian with the hope of keeping the faith strong and became a good missionary. I started education in my village for primary education from standard 1 to 8. Then I was successfully passed for one of the top government schools in town. I was there in Avele College for five years 1999 to 2003 (year 9 to year 13). In 2004 I graduated from the University of Samoa with the Certificate of Computer Operation. In 2020 I graduated from the Pacific Regional Seminary with the Diploma in Theology. I worked as a Junior Clerk for some months in Samoa Ministry of Finance then I left to look after my parents and serve my father in the village. I took some part time work as a painter and helped out with carpenters work but most of my time I slept in the plantation and enjoyed cultivating the land and earning for my family. When did you first think that God might be calling you to be a priest? I never thought of becoming a priest until I finished my university studies and stayed at home with my parents. This thinking and inspiration to the priesthood only happened when I committed myself to be a member of the parish youth and got involved with parish choirs and church works. In 2008 I attended the Samoan Youth Day and the last mass. Before the gathering ended the Archbishop preached that the work is plenty but there is a lack of workers. So from that homily I went home thinking that God was calling me. In 2009 I started my journey to the priesthood. Why did you choose the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts? In my own heart I did not choose the Congregation. The Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary chose me. I was lost in my vocation. I was looking for a family where was the real presence of Jesus in the priesthood as human and divine. I found it in this new loving family (SS.CC). Fr Esitio Niuliki was my first contact to the Congregation. I am blessed to be here. Favorite hobbies and/or fun fact about yourself: I loved sports. I have engaged most of my life in playing rugby and volleyball. Apart from that I love to meet people and make friends with whoever needs me. I enjoy simple things and I love island food. Favorite Bible passage: Matthew 11:28 “Come to Me all you who are weary and burden and I will give you rest.” Your favorite saint: Saint Augustine and Saint Damien of Molokai. |
