Let Samoa’s union be founded on God. “Ia fa’avae i le Atua le maopoopoga o Samoa.”
As the sun set on January 7, 2024, a profound sense of unity swept across Samoa. People from all walks of life gathered to mark the beginning of a significant spiritual journey – the Week of Prayer and Fasting. This annual observance, deeply rooted in Samoan culture, aims to steer the nation through the uncharted waters of the new year with faith and hope.
The gathering was a mosaic of Samoan society. Government leaders, church ministers, judiciary members, and parliamentarians stood shoulder to shoulder with the general populace. The collective focus was singular – to lay the year’s ambitions at God’s feet, seeking guidance and blessings.
The event was graced by the Reverend ‘Auatama Esera, Chairman of the Congregational Christian Church of Samoa (E.F.K.S.), who led the service. His message was clear and resonant: Prayer and fasting are not mere rituals, but the very breath of a thriving spiritual life. He urged the congregation to embrace these practices with complete sincerity, warning against the superficiality marred by detrimental habits like smoking and alcohol abuse.
Reverend Ma’auga Motu, General Secretary of the United Christian Church in Samoa, added depth to the service with a poignant Bible reading and a heartfelt prayer of confession. The air was filled with solemnity and grace, as prayers of gratitude were offered by Mrs. Camilla Isitolo, Chairwoman of the United Women’s Fellowship, and petitions by Mrs. Suāsami Tu’u’au, a key committee member.
The hymns, an integral part of the Samoan spiritual tapestry, were rendered by the Ministry of Works, Transport and Infrastructure (M.W.T.I.) and the Ministry of Finance (M.O.F.), adding a melodic embrace to the evening’s proceedings.
This sacred assembly was not just an ecclesiastical affair but also had the backing of the Samoan government. The Prime Minister’s Office and Cabinet actively participated, symbolising the intertwining of faith and governance in Samoan culture.
A significant highlight was the address by His Highness the Head of State of the Independent State of Samoa, Tuimaleali’ifano Va’aleto’a Suālauvī II, conveyed through Valavalatumanu Siāopo Pese of the Prime Minister’s Office and Cabinet. His words lent a regal affirmation to the week’s observance.
The culmination of this spiritual week is set for January 12, 2024, at the Government Prayer House in Palisi. It promises to be a day of reflection and renewal, led by Reverend Dr. Eteuati Tuioti, General Secretary of the Methodist Church in Samoa.
As Samoa embarks on this week-long spiritual voyage, the essence of faith, unity, and hope resonates strongly, setting a tone of devout optimism for the year ahead.
Samoan Version by Tusiga Pesetā Taofiga of Savali Newspaper
Photos by Tusiga Pesetā Taofiga / Leota Marc Membrere / Taunuuga Toatasi.
