The life and service of the Roman Catholic Archbishop of Samoa-Apia and Ecclesiastical Superior of the Mission sui iuris of Tokelau, the late Archbishop Alapati Lui Mataeliga, was celebrated on Saturday morning. 

His courage, love, commitment, and compassion for the people of Samoa echoed through the different eulogies that were given by leaders of the church and the Government of Samoa on Saturday. 

Prime Minister, Fiamē Naomi Mataʻafa, paid homage to his service to the nation as well as Archbishop Alapati's contribution to Samoa and its people. 

"His commitment and principles adherence to render service and not to be served resonated well in how he lived his life on this earth among the parishioners from all walks of life," Fiamē said.

"His ordination in 2002 marked the beginning of his leadership as the Roman Catholic Archbishop of Samoa Apia and he was a blessing not only to the Catholic Church but also to the Government and people of Samoa."

Fiame added that Archbishop Alapati's commitment to preaching the word of God epitomised his leadership qualities. She also commended his support for the different Government programs and initiatives, such as the national prayers and fasting weeks, state ceremonies, education and health, national emergency responses, and assisting the vulnerable people of Samoa. 

"He loved his country and stood for what is right for his people. He was a leader of principles and a man of God who interceded for peace, love, and unity. He radiated hope where there was despair, light where there was darkness, guidance when we appeared to falter in finding our way."

Fiamē then made reference to the political upheaval in Samoa following the 2021 general election, which she described as a period of uncertainty and a time when political differences divided families, friendships, and communities. 

She added that amidst all the uncertainties, trials, and turbulence, Archbishop Alapati's leadership and stalwart counsel inflamed the hope that God was in control and would not leave nor forsake Samoa. 

"He was forthcoming, straight-talking in his reminders to the leaders and the citizenry and the essence of our quest for independence, solidarity, and struggles our forefathers endured to earn our sovereignty. 

"I acknowledge with great appreciation, the leadership, counsel, and wisdom. We recognise his contribution to the Catholic faith, his boldness, and his courage to intercede for Samoa and its people."

The former Head of State, Tupua Tamasese Efi also eulogised Archbishop Alapati's great courage and boldness and took a trip down memory lane, recalling the peaceful protest of Tumua and Pule and its supporters against the V.A.G.S.T. proposal from the government in 1994. 

Tupua remembered that the peaceful march took place on 2 March 1994 to show the people's opposition to the tax introduced by the then government. 

"The government tried to ban opposition by claiming that the protest was treason and it would cause unnecessary violence," Tupua recalled. 

"Tumua and Pule and the supporters responded by saying that it was within their rights in the Constitution to express opposition to the legislation. It was decided that the march would begin from Vaimoso and through the town streets and to the government building in Matagialalua. 

"Father Alapati joined the front row of the march and when the march reached where McDonald's is now, suddenly loudspeakers blared, asking the police to get these people off the road and to disperse the march. 

"At that moment, Father Alapati advanced forward on his own, raised a huge bible ahead of them, and marched. The loudspeakers message became louder and persistent. 

"Not one policeman obeyed. But for Father Alapati's courageous intervention, there could have real violence, between the police and the marchers. Father Alapati reached the town clock, turned right and the marchers were able to follow and reached the Government Building. 

"What lessons do we learn from Father Alapati's actions, he intervened in a critical moment and avoided unnecessary violence because of the courage of his convictions."

The leader of the Human Rights Protection Party (H.R.P.P.) and former prime minister, Tuilaepa Sa'ilele Malielegaoi also delivered a eulogy, acknowledging all the hard work and milestones achieved by the Catholic Church in Samoa under Archbishop Mataeliga's leadership. 

The late Archbishop's younger brother, Tevaga Aleki Mataeliga spoke on behalf of his siblings on some of the many talents and blessings God bestowed upon his brother when he was alive. 

Tevaga told the gathering that his parents could not initially bare a child after they were married so they kept going to church and do novena prayers, asking God for a child. He said that Archbishop Alapati was the answer to his parent's prayers and the eldest of them all.

Tevaga then went on to say that Archbishop Alapati began his academic life at Sataua Primary School in Savai'i and then attended Channel College in 1965. He graduated from Channel College then went to the Catholic Theological Seminary in Fiji and was ordained in 1977 as a priest. 

"He was called the baby priest because he was the youngest person to ever become a priest at the time," Tevaga said. "One of God's greatest gifts for Archbishop Alapati is great courage. He was never scared of anything and always strived for the best. 

"I remember that every time he would come back to Savai'i while attending school in Apia or in Fiji, he would take all of us to do intensive work at the plantation. 

"He made sure that he made good use of his time while in Savai'i so that when he returned to school, he was sure that there was food for our parents and all of us. He was also a very experienced fisherman. He was very passionate and a loving person."

The late Archbishop Alapati passed away on 25 April 2023 in New Zealand. He was 70 years old. His parents were Lauiliu Utu Vaoliko Mata'eliga (mother) and Vaoliko Sui Panitaleo Mata'eliga (father). He was ordained for the presbyterate of the Diocese of Samoa and Tokelau on 5 July 1977. Upon the retirement of Cardinal Pio Taofinu'u, Father Mataeliga was appointed by the Holy See as the second Archbishop of Samoa-Apia.