Close to 2000 Catholic faithful in Samoa are taking part in a Divine Mercy retreat at Leauvaa to pray for the country and the world.

The programme officially started with a mass at the Lauvaa Catholic Church on Monday evening followed by a procession where close to 2000 people participated. 

In an interview with the Samoa Observer on Tuesday, Divine Mercy Committee member Fr. Jerry Sialaua said due to COVID-19 restrictions last year, Catholics from around the world could not travel to Samoa for the occasion, but he explained that this should not stop the programme from going ahead. 

For the Catholics Divine Mercy refers to a devotion that had its origin in the first apparitions of Jesus Christ reported by Polish Faustina Kowalska in the early 20th century in Poland.

The theme of the programme that started on Monday is "Prepare the world for the second coming of the Lord Jesus Christ" and will run from July 5-9.

"This year we are still continuing the devotion and we are seeking the Lord's help in finding a solution for COVID-19, not only that but the Catholic Church in Samoa is also uplifting our country through devotion," Fr. Jerry said. 

"Let's pray to our Lord to shine his light on our country, so that we live in harmony."

According to Fr. Jerry, the purpose of the event is also for the Archbishop to report to Rome that they are still continuing the church programmes so that when the pandemic ends the programme will continue its course. 

He added that Samoa is still under the Vatican in Rome and that the next get-together for the devotion of the Divine Mercy will be hosted by Samoa.

Fr. Jerry said Fr. Moseniolo Etuale Etuale led the mass on Monday and highlighted the importance of his sermon where he preached about faith and asking God why things happen.

He said that we should beg the lord to help Samoa be safe from the pandemic which has affected the world.

"Despite all these crises going on in Samoa, we must still pray, nothing else is important," he said.

Fr. Jerry said that the most important thing is forgiveness and that we must have a loving heart to prepare for.

He added that whatever we have done wrong, we must forgive and maintain harmony and peace and work together.

"The answer to everything is Samoa is founded on God. Founded on God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit," he said.

"The God that we are praying to that Samoa may find peace. And to pray that Samoa may still be safe from COVID-19. 

Fr. Jerry said we should also pray for the leaders of the country, the Head of State while also remembering the members of the Judiciary and the role they play.

"And we pray that the answer for Samoa may be given from above," he said.

Fr. Jerry said we should also remember those who are sick and struggling as well as those who are sick in spirit and the sinful so that they could find forgiveness from God.