Priesthood milestone at Leauva’a

By Deidre Tautua-Fanene 23 June 2017, 12:00AM

The family of Father Talipope Tuala of Leauvaa celebrated a milestone this week.

The occasion was the 25th year anniversary since he became a priest of the Catholic Congregation.

The celebration was held at the family home at Leauvaa where Fr. Talipope was joined by his brothers, sisters, relatives and church family.

The celebration started with a mass conducted by Father Dakito Fidow.

Speaking to the Samoa Observer, Father Talipope told said he never thought that he would end up a priest.

“I went through different schools when I was young,” he said.

“I started primary school here at Leauva’a and then I went to Chanel and then Wesley College but I finished school at the Seventh Day Adventist. I started working at one of the stores at Vaitele.

“In 1985, I went to the Rome Seminary School until 1992 where I was appointed as a Priest in St Peter Basilica in Rome.

“And it was there that my life as a priest started and I have never regretted it.”

Why did he choose to become a Faith Missionary?

“In the early 1980s, the Cardinal of the Church at the time travelled to Rome where he met some of the Missionaries of Faith there,” said Fr. Talipope.

“It was there that he was told that there is a need for youth from Samoa who want to travel to Rome to become priests.

“So in 1985 we went to answer the call of God however there were only three of us who made it through.”

Through those times what were some of the challenges that you faced?

“There were a lot of challenges that I faced during those times but the number one challenge I had to overcome was physical challenge but I put God first through those times,” he said.

“And most of all I thought of my family back home who were praying for me to succeed during those times.

“It was hard but I came out strong and won and overcame all those challenges in life. So 25 years I’ve never regretted it because I offered my life to serve God.”

By Deidre Tautua-Fanene 23 June 2017, 12:00AM

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