It’s officially opened. The Immaculate Conception of Mary Cathedral at Mulivai attracted thousands to Beach Road yesterday during the opening ceremony.
They had good reason to be there. The new Cathedral is truly a masterpiece, with the old structure still being maintained with a touch of class in the workmanship of art and craft.
It is a must to see for visitors to Samoa.
Pope Benedict XVI's representative, Archbishop Martin Krebs, Apostolic Nuncio to Cepac, said the $13million masterpiece, built by Father Ricky Bernard, was a milestone not just for the Catholic Church but also for Samoa.
Dedicating the building to God, he said: “God’s temple be holy and his temple are you.
“Today we celebrate our relationship with God which is symbolised with this modern Cathedral.
It’s a day to rejoice.”
The Masiofo, Her Highness Filifilia Tamasese was given the honour of cutting the ribbon. Leading carpenter, Father Ricky Bernard then presented the keys to Archbishop Alapati Lui Mataeliga, whom in return thanked him for the magnificent project.
Thousands of people flooded the grounds of Mulivai for the occasion. It was a sunny day with light showers but that didn’t bother worshippers, many of them had to stay outside because there was simply not enough space.
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They were deeply grateful for the dedication by Father Bernard who did the work for free – with the help of a group of local builders.
Apia Parish Chairperson of the Fundraising Committee, Sala Epi Passi said she estimates that the Cathedral cost between $12 and $13million.
“Money owed is less than $500,000,” she said.
Sala declined to give details of the Cathedral work referring questions to another member of the church. The Apia Parish consists of Vaimoso, Taufusi, Saleufi, Togafu’afu’a, Leone, Matautu and St. Anthony 9.15.
The Apia Parish started fundraising for the project from 2011.
Some of the fundraising activities involved included corporate table dinners, dances, radiothons, raffles, bonuses, bingo games, BBQ, social siva and trips to New Zealand.
At one stage each, church in Apia Parish had to contribute $5,000 in each month.
The modern Cathedral replaces the original church that was built in 1884.
The original church could only accommodate 400 to 500 people.
With the new Cathedral, it can house more than 2,000 people.
The burial site of the late Cardinal Pio Taofinu’u is in the right wing of the new Cathedral.
The Cathedral will be used for regular Sunday services today, including the opening mass for the celebration of the Missionary Sisters of the Society of Mary (S.M.S.M)’s 150th anniversary.
The service is scheduled to be held this afternoon.
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