Forty-eight new matai title holders at Afega are ready to serve their family, village and their churches.
yesterday where 13 family members were honoured with the chiefly title of Leulua’iali’i and 35 who were bestowed the orator title of Fata.
Fata Simone, who spoke on behalf of the village, reminded the new chiefs of their roles and responsibilities within the family.
“It’s not easy,” said Fata Simone. “Always remember that one of your roles is to look after the family and the village.”
“Thank you Gatoaitele Savea (Sano Malifa) for the good heart to share these chiefly names with justice and love.”
Turning to the new title holders, he said: “To all of you who are now been called as a matai do not forget your identity, always remember where you came from and where you belong. May the Lord bless you all!”
The honour was a proud moment for all the new titleholders; many of them came from outside of Samoa for the ceremony.
One of them was Fata Keti Tolea’foa who said he is looking forward to his new role.
“Inherent in the fa’amatai system is the welfare and well being of the family,” he said. “I feel very honoured, very privileged and I just want to thank Gatoaitele Savea for inviting me and my family to be part of this day today.”
Speaking to the Sunday Samoan, Leulua’iali’i Fata Elisaia, another new matai, said he was humbled by the honour.
“To become a matai is not a decision that anyone should take lightly,” he said.
“A matai is a leader and a servant of the community and has to respect everyone and value the culture and one of the most powerful ties to the ‘Aiga Samoa’ in this country.”
“I am ready to serve my family, village and the church,” he said.
The service was officiated by Revered Luapene Nepo, of the Congregational Christian Church of Samoa at Afega, with the parish ministers of the Methodist Church, the Seventh Day Adventist Church and the Catholic Church.
Deacon Fagalele Fagalele of the Catholic Church says studying Jesus is not enough to get to know him but we must imitate and follow Him.
“Developing a closer relationship with God is an admirable goal,” he said.
“When we have a real relationship with Him, life gets exciting because He stirs up a passion inside us to love people—and we don’t have to struggle to do the things He calls us to do.”
He also reflected on the best way to get to know Jesus, describing it as the most important work in our lives.
“Knowing God loves us – is by loving Him, spending time with Him, and being grateful for giving us His son so that whoever believes will have eternal life.”
Rev. Nepo said Jesus came down the mountain to be with His people because he did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.
“He wants to be with his people in times of pain and suffering so humbling ourselves are not a failure of life but it is a way to victory.”
“This is the day that the Lord hath made so that we will be glad in it,” said high chief of Afega, Matā’afa Ola.
“To those of you who came all the way from overseas countries to be part of this special day, may our Heavenly continue to bless you.”
“May His peace be upon us all.”
“Thank you all for coming.”
The ceremony yesterday ended with traditional formalities and gift giving.
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