A spirit of compassion and generosity swept across Samoa this week as the Marist Brothers Crusaders Alumni Association from American Samoa carried out its annual charitable mission, donating a total of $30,000 ST to homes caring for the elderly and vulnerable.
Led by Monsignor Viane Etuale, the Association visited several elderly care homes in Upolu, bringing not only financial assistance, but also encouragement, fellowship, and love to many residents.
According to members of the Association, the annual outreach has become a meaningful tradition for the alumni brothers, who work throughout the year in American Samoa to raise funds through community fundraising events, gatherings, and donations. In many cases, members also contribute from their own personal funds to help increase the amount given to the homes.
“This is something close to our hearts,” one member shared during the visit. “We raise what we can together back home in American Samoa, and many brothers also give personally because we believe our elders deserve love, care, and dignity.”
The outreach began with the presentation of $10,000 ST to Archbishop Mosese for the Logoipulotu Home for the Elderly in Savai‘i.
On the second day, the Brothers donated another $10,000 ST to the Home for the Elderly at Mapuifagalele in Vailele, followed by gifts of $5,000 ST each to the Carmelite Sisters’ Home in Vailima and Maota o Marista, the elderly care home operated by the SMSM Sisters in Vailoa.
While the donations themselves were significant, it was the personal visits that left many emotional.
Photos from the visit to the Carmelite Sisters Home in Vailima captured touching moments between the alumni members and elderly residents. The Association spent time speaking with the sisters, praying together and offering words of comfort and encouragement.
At Mapuifagalele, one elderly resident visibly emotional during the visit, said through tears:
“We are so grateful that you remembered us. God bless all of you for your kindness and love.”
The staff of the resident also praised the Association for continuing to remember the elderly each year, describing the outreach as a true example of Christian service and compassion in action.
For the Marist Brothers Crusaders Alumni Association, the mission is about more than donations, it is about honouring the elders of Samoa, strengthening bonds of faith and culture and reminding those in care homes that they are loved and valued.
Their annual tradition continues to inspire many on both sides of the ocean, showing how a community united in faith and generosity can make a lasting difference in the lives of others.
