Families, relatives, and friends joined the Missionaries Sisters of the Society of Mary (SMSM) in a special prayer of Thanksgiving to celebrate the life of Sister Malia Makalita Leauai who turned 101 years old.

It was a double celebration of life for reaching 101 years of God's love and 78 years of her calling as a nun for SMSM.

A nephew of Sr Malia Makalita, Father Falaniko Antonio told Samoa Observer that their family did not have material wealth but were wealthy spiritually. 

Fr Atonio said they have seven priests in their family and 10 nuns with three deacons and catechists. 

"Sr Malia is the eldest of the grandchildren of our grandparents and it's a blessing to have her as a role model in which many cousins and relatives have followed her footsteps," Fr Atonio said.

According to posts on social media by some of Sr Malia's close relatives, she was born on 21 March 1924 in the village of Faleula, Manono.

She is the oldest daughter of Filipo Avia Leauai and Melesete Leo-Leauai.

She is the longest-living granddaughter of Mulipola Leo Simiti of Salua, Manono and Mulivai, Safata and Matalena nee Hammond of Levuka, Fiji.

A family member in Texas confirmed that Sr Malia is her great-grandaunt and she thanked God for the gift of Sr Malia not only she is a blessing to their family but a great role model for the whole family to look up to.

"We are very blessed to have Sr Malia in our lives and we thank God for 101 years of His love to Sr's life," this family member said.

The celebration of Sr Malia's 101 years of life has brought together members of her family who are also serving God.

Sr Malia has two other grandnephews who are priests for the Catholic church.

The SMSM community also thanked God for the gift of Sr Malia to the SMSM.