For decades, a dream simmered in the hearts of two French brothers, Edouard and Marc Meyer. This year, they transformed that dream into reality by traveling from France to Samoa to honour the legacy of their great uncles, who dedicated their lives to serving the people of Samoa as priests.

Eduard, 47, and Marc, 52, grew up immersed in stories of their great uncles' extraordinary work in Samoa, as recounted by their great aunt and father. 

These narratives, rich with historical detail, were vividly illustrated by letters and photographs that had become treasured artifacts in the Meyer household.

Edouard and Marc’s journey to Samoa was not merely a visit; it was a pilgrimage. 

The brothers had long dreamed of seeing the places where their great uncles, Raymond Meyer and Edouard Meyer, had left their mark. They spent over a year planning and saving for this trip, driven by a deep sense of connection and respect for their ancestors’ contributions.

Raymond Meyer, known in Samoa as Patele Lemo, served in the village of Safotu from 1927 to 1950. According to Marc, Raymond was a pivotal figure in the Catholic Church’s expansion in Samoa, notably contributing to the construction of the renowned Safotu Catholic Church. 

His brother Edouard Meyer, known as Patele Ali’i-Pule, continued this legacy until his death in Samoa in 1959. Edouard was instrumental in building the Catholic Church in Leauva’a.

During their three-week stay in Samoa, the Meyer brothers explored the historical sites associated with their great uncles' work. They visited the churches their great uncles had built and were deeply moved to find that many locals still remembered them fondly. 

"It’s been an inspiring trip, and we are incredibly grateful to have finally made it here," Marc shared in an interview with the Samoa Observer. "The stories we grew up with came to life as we walked in their footsteps."

The brothers brought with them over a hundred photographs from their great uncles' time in Samoa, which they hope will be preserved as cherished memories for the Samoan people. 

Their trip also revealed the profound impact their great uncles had on the community, as many residents still hold their contributions in high regard.

The Meyers' visit was not only a tribute to their ancestors but also a personal and cultural revelation.

 They were warmly welcomed by the local community, notably by the Fepulea’i family, whose hospitality they praised. 

"The kindness and generosity we experienced were beyond our expectations," Eduard said. "It truly validated the stories our family had shared about the warmth and spirit of the Samoan people."

Back in France, the Meyers have incorporated Samoan souvenirs into their home, a testament to the deep affection they feel for the country. They are avid supporters of Manu Samoa, celebrating the team’s victories with a sense of pride and connection.

The Meyer brothers' journey to Samoa was more than a familial pilgrimage; it was a bridge between past and present, honoring the legacy of their great uncles and fostering enduring ties with a land that has long held a special place in their hearts. Their story is a poignant reminder of how personal histories and shared legacies can transcend time and distance, uniting families and communities across the globe.