Little Sisters of Poor Oceania
'Making the elderly happy, that's what counts ' St. Jeanne Jugan
Tribute to Archbishop Alapati LUI MATALIGA.
Archbishop of Samoa
and Ecclesial Superior of the Mission in Tokelau
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The Residents and Sisters at Mapuifagalele offer their prayers and condolences to all who mourn the loss of this great Shepherd. We give thanks for the loving service and the memorable encounters that we shared with the Archbishop, We thank him for his great service to the Catholic Church and the people of Samoa.
He was born in Savai’i Sataua on 4th January 1953. He was ordained for the presbyterate of the Diocese of Samoa and Tokelau on 5th July 1977 and consecrated as bishop on 3rd January 2003. His Episcopal Motto was “to serve and not to be served.” To sum up his life and mission, he was a Servant, a Steward, and a Shepherd.
Servant: He served his people tirelessly despite his ill health. He endured his suffering while encouraging his people to keep their eyes fixed on Jesus Christ and to live the Gospel.
Steward: He cared for all the people of Samoa regardless of their beliefs.
Shepherd: Leading his flock, seeking out the lost, and becoming a peacemaker in times of trouble.
May he rest in peace.
