The new Archbishop for the Catholic Church in Samoa Father Mosese Vitolio Tui's presence at the opening of the Aso Tupulaga Samoa (A.T.S.) at Leauvaa on Wednesday, marked an auspicious start for the conference.

Fr. Mosese will be ordained as the Archbishop next month.

He arrived on Monday and was welcomed by students of Don Bosco Technical College where he was a principal and a teacher at the Faleolo International Airport. Performances by the Malotau Parish were also done in the evening at St Therese Retreats and Accommodation where he is being hosted.

In an ava ceremony conducted by the youth on Wednesday morning, Fr Mosese highlighted the importance of the youth life. Upon receiving his ava, he blessed it and said that the youth's love for God should be bigger.

"This is for you God, please God your love should be bigger for our Archdiocese, your love for the priests and those who are serving your calling should be much bigger, and everyone gathered here today," he said smiling.

Fr Mosese was welcomed by priests, youth members and everyone present at the A.T.S. gathering. 

He was also part of the Opening Mass as a celebrant. His appointment to be the Archbishop of Samoa was announced on 13 June with his ordination to take place on 22 August. 

Members of the Church shared how happy and excited they were for the new Archbishop to start his calling as the leader of the Catholic Church in Samoa.

"Honestly, I don't know him that well. I only met him today during our mass, and the way he greeted everyone was just great. His personality clearly shows the kind of person that he is. And I don't know how to explain it but I guess they are right when they said God's timing is always perfect," said Togafau Saleva. 

Mr Saleva said that he has never met any priest who has this attitude towards people, so he really cannot wait to see the way he would lead the Church.

"He does not care if you are a young kid, an adult, a priest, a deacon, or whatever he would still see everyone equally. He would shake your hand, smile and make conversation. For me personally, I believe he was chosen by God to be at the helm at this time. He will make a great leader for our Church."

The Catholic conference ends on Friday.