The recent Caritas Oceania conference which concluded on Thursday at St. Therese's Hotel brought together leaders from across the Pacific to explore strategies for engaging Catholic youth.

Hosted by the Archdiocese of Apia, the seminar served as a vital platform for dialogue and collaboration among diverse members from the region.

In an interview, Archbishop Mosese Vitolio Tui, the leader of the Catholic Church in Samoa, emphasised the significance of the discussions held throughout the week. 

“Caritas Oceania unites organisations such as Caritas Australia, Caritas Papua New Guinea, Caritas Samoa, Caritas Aotearoa-New Zealand, CEPAC (Caritas Pacific Islands), Caritas Tonga, and Caritas Fiji,” he noted. 

Together, these groups address pressing issues like climate change, emergency response, peacebuilding, and development efforts both locally and globally.

“Caritas, derived from the Latin word for love and compassion, embodies the spirit of charity,” Archbishop Mosese stated. “In Samoa and throughout the region, Caritas has supported numerous less fortunate families in rural communities.” 

He highlighted the essential role of this organisation in uplifting those in need, emphasizing its commitment to humanitarian efforts.

A focal point of the conference was the shared goal of encouraging young people to engage in positive community actions. 

“We want to inspire and motivate our youth to spread love and participate in good deeds for their communities,” the Archbishop remarked. 

He also discussed the importance of creating vocational opportunities for youth and exploring ways to assist the underprivileged.

This conference was particularly meaningful for Archbishop Mosese, marking his first involvement in a Caritas meeting since assuming leadership of the Catholic Church in Samoa. 

The event also offered a heartfelt reunion with Archbishop Peter Loy from Fiji and Cardinal Soane Patita Mafi, the Bishop of Tonga. 

The trio, who studied together at the Pacific Regional Seminary in 1984, celebrated their 40-year journey from seminarians to leaders of the Catholic faith in their respective countries.

As Archbishop Mosese and his fellow leaders reflect on the discussions, they remain hopeful for a brighter future for Catholic youth in Samoa and the wider Oceania region.