The process for the ordination of the Archbishop-Elect Father Mosese Vitolio Tui began with an ava ceremony at Saint Therese Tofamamao, Leauvaa on Wednesday.

It was a vibrant occasion as Catholics from Samoa and all over the world gathered including priests from the Vatican at Leauvaa to celebrate an important event for the Catholic Church in Samoa.

Upon receiving his ava, Father Mosese expressed he was grateful for his family, the parishes, and everyone gathered at Leauvaa.

"Who am I? For the past few days leading up to this moment, I have seen God in the wind, our surroundings, our families, and also our Archdiocese. You've all been doing so much despite your financial circumstances," he said.

"I've seen God in my family from Safotu, from Safai, and Falefa. From this morning with our Mass to this hour, there has always been wind blowing here. Who am I, that this village (Safotu) is sitting in the sun? Who am I that they had to travel far to come? They are kings and high chiefs of Samoa and on this side the highest people in our Church. Who is Mosese that the Archdiocese has to sit in the sun this evening?"

"As you have heard the Archbishop from American Samoa, I should be a good boy. Thank you for I have seen God in everyone here today. And this ava, I accept my calling."

The priests and everyone who attended the event were grateful. A priest said this is Father Mosese's calling to lead God's people in Samoa. They believe his calling was from God.

Archbishop-Elect Father Mosese is the successor for the late Archbishop Alapati Lei Mataeliga. He will be ordained on Thursday at Leauvaa, and his first mass as the Archbishop of Samoa will be on Friday.