A young girl from Vaimoso, Sr. Tessarina Palepa Ve'e, has conquered all her challenges by answering her lifelong calling to become a nun. 

Sr Tessarina was very emotional on 21 April as she fulfilled her life dream in Rome.

She hoped her family to be there and witness the fruit of her hard labour, however, but they could not due to travel restrictions.

"I thank God for all he has done for me during these years of hardships, His unconditional Love while having so much time through this journey," she said emotionally.

"I felt so blessed after the solemn Mass Eucharistic of my first profession but feels a little bit sad because my family wasn't there to witness my special day especially to my parents but I know for sure, they were with me in spirit and thoughts.

The 24-year-old is the daughter of Afoa Sio and Pesio Tiufea Ve'e, her family are strong Catholic believers. 

She is the fourth child of five siblings. Becoming a nun was always Sr Tessarina's dream when she was young, and she has finally done it. She believes that her God has always been there with her throughout her struggles to fulfil her dream.

"Through this journey, passed so many difficulties, but the Love of God always there for me to guide and show me what's Good and bad. God is so good,” she said.

"I can do all things with God by my side to guide and strengthen me. There were three things that kept me going for the past five years, it was love, sacrifices, and faith. 

“Love your God as you love yourself and your loved ones. Sacrifices, without love you won't succeed in whatever you were wishing for. Faith, without love and sacrifice, what are we wishing for to have God in our life, we won't trust God if we don't have faith in Him.

"These were the three words that led me through this difficult journey. And through Prayers that strengthen me every minute of the day.”

Sr Tessarina graduated from Saint Mary's College in 2014 and worked as an assistant secretary to the Archbishop of the Diocese of Samoa in 2015.

In the same year on 1 October, Sr Tessarina departed Samoa to start her formation for five years, and only came to Samoa in 2018 for a holiday and went back to finish her calling.

"Before I entered the convent, I really love to join so many groups in our parish, that really pushed me through this calling. In Vaimoso Parish activities, I participated in so many groups - Daughters of Mary (Fanau Maria), Youth (Autalavou), Teacher of the Catechism (Faiaoga Aso Sa), Ministry of the Word (Taiala ole Upu), Autau o Maria, Choir," she said.

“Joining in so many groups in our parish, are the very best memories in my life. Our Vaimoso Parish Patron is "St Therese the child of Jesus" - (I am the child of God)," she added.

Sr. Tessarina will be returning to Samoa as soon as borders open and will then decide whether to serve in Samoa or someplace else.