The newly established Catholic parish at Luatuanuu had a double celebration on Sunday as they celebrated their Feast Day the "Assumption of Mary to Heaven" and witnessed the renewing of the vows of "Daughters of Mary" (Fanau a Maria) group. 

Father Ponifasio Kele Ulugia led the mass and preached how important Mary's virtue is to the ladies, who have offered their lives to serve under the flag of Mother Mary, and how the Assumption of Mary is not known to other Christian denominations.

"This is one of the reasons why the Catholic and the Protestant church got divided because there are few biblical references to support the Catholic Marian dogmas, which include the Immaculate Conception, her Perpetual Virginity, and her Assumption into heaven,” Fr Ponifasio said.

“This is why they are rejected by Protestants. Today is our parish's feast day or the birthday of our church.

"The Assumption of Mary into Heaven" shows the wonderful and mysterious work done by our God. 

“We also celebrate these four ladies who will renew their vows in front of the church and also our Mother Mary. 

“We hope they will continue to follow Mary's footsteps and virtues like a daughter of Mary should."

There were only four women who renewed their vows on Sunday: Fetaiaiiuogafa Aeau Aviu, Ofaofa Lina Taefu, Tina Etuale and Salome Laniece Soagia. 

The oldest of the four, Ms Fetaiai has been in the 'Daughters of Mary' group for more than 20 years. It is a group comprising unmarried women who have offered their lives to the lord in terms of service.

Speaking to the Samoa Observer, Ms Fetaiai said that she relies on the lord to help her with her duties and to listen to what God is calling on her to do.

"With my service as a daughter of Mary, I am responsible for looking after the chapel every day. Not only that but I am also responsible for looking after our priest's clothes which he uses during the mass and washing them if they need to be. Our responsibility mainly has to do with looking after the chapel, inside and out," she said.

"I have been serving in this group for more than 20 years, and as far as I'm concerned I have never considered marriage as another step of life. 

“I am happy and content with what I'm doing right now. Most of the girls that we used to be in this group together have either gotten married and have families of their own, or some have just given up on the role. 

“But I believe this is my calling from God, and I will continue to serve him through this."

The 39-year-old is the President of the Daughter of Mary group in the Luatuanuu Catholic Parish.

Following their Eucharistic celebration, a lunch (toana'i) was prepared for the whole congregation to celebrate their feast day with a cake that was provided for by the four Daughters of Mary.