Rome, Italy — In a significant announcement from the Vatican, Pope Francis has appointed Fr. Mosese Vitolio Tui SDB, the current parish priest of St. Paul’s Parish in Massey, West Auckland, as the new Archbishop of Samoa-Apia. The announcement was made at 10 PM New Zealand time, coinciding with Noon in Rome.
A Distinguished Ecclesiastical Career
Early Life and Formation: Born on November 9, 1961, in Moto’otua, Samoa, Archbishop-elect Tui embarked on his religious journey with the Salesians of Don Bosco (SDB). His initial formation took place at Auxilium College in Lysterfield, Victoria, Australia, where he completed his postulancy and novitiate in 1985-1986. He made his first profession as a Salesian on January 31, 1987.
Academic and Pastoral Development: He pursued educator and teacher formation at the Australian Catholic University in Melbourne (1987-1988). His pastoral formation included significant time at the Don Bosco Youth Centre & Hostel in Melbourne and Moamoa Theological College in Apia, Samoa (1989-1990). He also underwent priestly and seminary formation at the Pacific Regional Seminary in Suva, Fiji (1984), and at the Catholic Theological College and Salesian Theological College in Melbourne, Australia (1987-1988, 1991-1994).
Ordination and Early Service: Fr. Tui was ordained as a priest on December 3, 1994, at St. John Bosco Church in Sinamoga, Apia. His early career saw him serve as acting parish priest at St. John Bosco Parish (1995-1996), and as principal of Don Bosco Technical College in Alafua, Apia (1997-2006). He then took on the roles of rector and novice master at Don Bosco Formation House in Suva, Fiji (2007-2010), and founding principal of Don Bosco College in Salelologa, Samoa (2011-2017).
Recent Contributions: Since March 2018, Fr. Tui has been serving as the parish priest at St. Paul’s Massey and Ranui Parish in West Auckland, New Zealand. His tenure there has been marked by his dedication to the community and his embodiment of the Salesian spirit, earning him widespread respect and admiration.
A Visionary Leader for Samoa
Bishop of Auckland’s Statement: Bishop of Auckland, Stephen Lowe, expressed both pride and a sense of loss upon the appointment. “While it is a sad day for the people of St. Paul’s Parish and for us in the Diocese of Auckland, I am delighted with the Holy Father’s appointment for him as the new Archbishop of Samoa-Apia,” said Bishop Lowe. “Fr. Mosese will bring the joy of the Gospel to his new diocese as well as his gift of unifying people in their love and service of our God.”
Interim Leadership: Following the death of Archbishop Alapati Lui Mata’eliga in April last year, Bishop Emeritus Peter Brown served as apostolic administrator in Apia. Bishop Brown will now return to Auckland following Archbishop-elect Tui’s appointment.
Challenges and Opportunities
Community and Demographics: According to the 2021 Samoan census, there are 36,096 Catholics in Samoa, making it the second-largest Christian denomination in the country. Samoa’s total population is 205,557.
Expectations and Future Direction: Archbishop-elect Tui is expected to focus on strengthening the faith and engagement of the Catholic community, addressing social and economic challenges, and enhancing the Church’s outreach and services to marginalized groups. His experience and leadership are anticipated to bring a renewed sense of unity and purpose to the archdiocese.
Conclusion
The appointment of Fr. Mosese Vitolio Tui SDB as the Archbishop of Samoa-Apia marks a new chapter for the Catholic Church in the region. His extensive experience, strong community ties, and deep commitment to the principles of the Salesian order position him well to lead the archdiocese into a future of spiritual growth and unity.
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