Sr. Sofia Afoa arrived to our community in March 2026. Throughout all this time of adaptation and observation, Sofia had the time to visit schools, joined the Children of Mary activities, visit the elderly and the sick at Hope House, cooking, cleaning, doing community shopping, as well as sitting inside the classroom and observe teaching. Sofia is now assigned by Bishop Kolio Etuale to teach Religious Education in Marist St Francis, Lepua the next school year, resuming in August 2026. We are very happy to have Sofia as the third member of our community. Teaching Religious Education in Catholic schools is the original mission of the smsm, in the Diocese of Samoa Pago-Pago.
Hope House Ministry for the sick and the elderly.
Hope House where Sr Sosefina Stowers is spending time and energy every day as her ministry has recently received an Award on ‘Excellence in Performance and Leadership’ from the Government of American Samoa. It has been 4 years now since the new Leadership Team of Hope House started, and with the SMSM presence in this place, Hope House service to the sick and the marginalized has been improved.
Sose’s particular work is for the Spiritual counselling and formation of the residents and the workers. However, at times she steps up to attend to many other needs when she sees necessary. Sose also takes part in the Day Care Program for the children and the elderly, which also pertain to the function of the Hope House. Hope House recently renovated their chapel, where everyone now can hear the residents singing and praying.
Sunday School Catechism, Childre of Mary, Religious Education, Teaching and Prison Ministry - Sr. Palepa Aukusitino
Five ministries for an smsm is already a toil of work for one sister. However, the main hands and feet in each of these areas are the Teams of Lay Leaders; young women, teachers, catechists, children and even deacons and priests who are working together with Sr Palepa. These committed teams of leaders have been established upon the direction and presence of SMSM since we arrived in the diocese of Samoa Pago Pago in 2018.
Community Retreat.
From the busy life of ministries made time to approach the “well” for a drink from the water, ‘the Living Water’. We were fortunate to have our community retreat at the old convent of the Little Sisters of the Poor, Mapuifagalele-Apia. Sustained by the Eucharist each day, the prayers of the elderly and the generosity of the sisters, we were surrounded with so much care, hospitality and prayers. Our very own Sr Pele Peni smsm directed our journey with passion and constructive preparation. The inputs focused on redirecting our priority in community living; where joy, sisterly love and forgiveness must be lived. Now we are ready to give out the living water to each other and to those whom we serve, with hope and joy.
