The government highlighted the profound service to the nation by the Missionary Sisters of the Society of Mary (SMSM) as they celebrated 160 years in Samoa.

 SMSM has been in Samoa since 1864.

The celebration was marked with a parade early Friday morning in the township of Apia, where students of St. Marys College in Vaimoso, St. Marys Primary School in Savalalo, St. Marys Old Girls Association (S.M.O.G.A.), as well as sisters of the Catholic church participated in.

The opening service was conducted in front of the government building where the government recognised the service of the sisters in Samoa over the years.

Prime Minister, Fiame Naomi Mataafa in her remarks emphasized that the profound hope is that the same spirit lived by the valiant pioneers will be prolonged into the future.

"Today we dedicate and commemorate the 160th anniversary of the Missionary Sisters of the Society of Mary in Samoa. This is a significant, historical milestone of our time," she added.

"In the spirit of today's celebration, we remember the first arrival in Samoa, the pioneers on the 6th of June 1864, Sister Marie Rose and Sister Marie De La Mercy and later Sister Marie De La Miss Record, and the folding story of the presence and Ministry that set up the Savalalo Covent School.

"We further remember our sisters from different parts of the world who gave their lives in the service of God and the Samoan people in ensuring a 160 years."

As part of the celebration, one of the oldest and long-serving sisters in Samoa, Sister Makerita and the Prime Minister were given the honour of cutting the cake to commemorate this milestone.

The gathering including the government also gave early birthday wishes as part of the celebration to Sister Makerita who will this year reach a century.