Even before Father Mosese Tui was ordained as the Archbishop of Samoa in August, he let people know that there would be accountability and transparency under his watch.

The very qualities that are demanded from every good leader either religious, political or corporate.

He made no qualms about answering questions whenever it was posed to him. No matter how controversial they were.

Earlier this year, an incident where a deacon and a priest were alleged to have been involved with narcotics saw him command a swift response and he responded to the Samoa Observer about what the course of his actions were.

He suspended them and ordered an investigation. Just a fortnight ago, he again answered questions about the incident.

According to Fr Mosese, transparency and accountability are not something practised by governments but they should be done on a spiritual level as well because nothing is hidden from God.

“You cannot hide things. There is nothing to hide, the media and Samoa already know, and the people already know. The truth will always set us free,” he said.

Fr Mosese believes in the pursuit of truth at all levels. He believes that preaching alone will not set a good example, one has to walk the talk.

In June of this year, Pope Francis announced the appointment of Father Mosese Tui as the new Archbishop of Samoa-Apia. He replaced Bishop Alapati Lui Mata’eliga who died in Auckland on 25 April 2023.

In August, he was ordained at the Archbishop of Samoa. He arrived in Samoa in July and from his first public engagement, it was clear that there was something very different about Fr Mosese.

The Bishop of Auckland Fr Steve Lowe said in a social media post in June that while it was a sad day for the people of St Paul’s Parish and for the Diocese of Auckland, he was delighted with the Holy Father’s appointment for him as the new Archbishop of Samoa-Apia.

“Fr Mosese will bring the joy of the Gospel to his new diocese as well as his gift of unifying people in their love and service of our God,” he said.  

And that is exactly what he wants to do in Samoa.

“My dream is to make the Archdiocese a happy family again, spread the joy of the word, make the Catholic community alive and happy,” Fr Mosese told the Samoa Observer.

“Rather than complaining, be joyful in whatever you do, whether you are a priest or a deacon. It is about the joy of the Gospel. I want to see that joy in all our people whether they are Catholics, from other denominations or other religions.

“When I was given this new appointment, I said yes to God and I will give it my best until the last breath.”

Fr Mosese arrived in Samoa during a time when social issues were impacting the community. He said he realises the level of violence in the home and society.

“With all the problems coming now, the best scenario for Samoa is to stay connected to God whichever denomination, God is everywhere and we have to stay connected. The problems will always be there and social issues are worse,” he said.

“Ice is everywhere, violence is everywhere. It is best to start from a family unit. Bring the joy of the Gospel into the family and we will see things change.”

By February next year, Fr Mosese hopes to have toured all the parishes in Samoa. In his unique sense of humour, he responded to when asked about his time as the leader of the Catholic Church in Samoa, he said, “I am having very sleepless nights. My eyes are closed but my mind is like a video screen, just going and going.”

One of the things that he also wants to do is to bring the Catholic Church back to the National Council of Churches.

“We failed for years in joining that group. The group that unites all the Christian denominations. I promised when they call, at least a representative would be there,” he said.

“When the people see the leaders united, it is a good start.”

For the New Year, Fr Mosese has challenged Samoa, every home, every village and high chief to embrace the joy of the Gospel and see how things change for the better.