A former deacon of the Catholic Church, who relinquished his clergy role on Friday, been bestowed one of the highest chiefly titles in Faleata the Tomaagauaune.

Hundreds of people gathered at Vaimoso on Saturday morning to witness the conferment of the Tomaagauaune title to Fa’aletonu Mikaele Une Kelekolio II. 

The event was attended by not only the high chiefs in Vaimoso but also Faleata.

Those who attended included the Minister of Health, Valasi Tafito Selesele, Minister of Commerce, Industry & Labour, Leatinu'u Wayne So'oialo, Associate Minister for the Prime Minister and Cabinet, Manuleleua Paletasala Tovale, and the MP for Faleata No.3. Ale Vena Ale. Others included the Land and Titles Court Judge, Tuilagi Namulauulu Saipele Esera, Leapai Richard Brown and Deacon Faleafa Matai’a.

The grounds where the ceremony was held is the location of the Mau movement headquarters where a replica of the building sits on the foundation of the original Mau headquarter office.

Reverend Amosa Reupena of the Congregational Christian Church Samoa (C.C.C.S.) and Rev Auro Teve of the Methodist Church blessed the new title holder in a service. 

The Tomaagauaune title is also one of the highest chiefly titles in the village of Vaimoso. 

Tomaagauaune is the son of the late Asopesio Maria and Une Kelekolio II. He is married to Seina Une and they have four children. 

During the Ava ceremony, he told everyone that for 29 years he held the chiefly title Fa’aletonu while serving his family. 

The father of four said throughout the years, he has gained much knowledge and understanding in cultural aspects and traditions.

Furthermore, Tomaagauaune spoke about the events that led to this day and also highlighting his service over the years.

He described the day of his title bestowment as the pinnacle of his service and he then said, “the path to authority/leadership is through service…we thank God.”

For 11 years, he served the Lord as a Deacon in the Catholic Church.

“This is where I learned that God has prepared me for another calling,” he said. 

“I pray, God will help me to be an instrument of peace; where there are conflicts or disagreements, I hope to plant a seed of harmony.

“And where there is hatred and resentment, I shall be the spirit of forgiveness and where there is sadness, I shall pour an abundance of joy.”

He also asked God for His help as he begins a new journey of service, “We continue to glorify you Lord.”  

During the ava ceremony some of the high chiefs wished Tomaagauaune well as he embarks on a new chapter in life. 

After the Ava ceremony, there were many traditional presentations and display of Samoan fine mats as gifts. 

The heavy rain on Saturday afternoon did not dampen the spirits of gift-giving shared by the title holder and his family as they presented monetary, fine mats and boxes of food to representatives of Faleata and Vaimoso. 

However, the blessings through a church service was held on Friday evening at the Catholic Church in Vaimoso.

The service was not only to bless the new title holder but for him to officially give up his role as a deacon in the church.

The mass started at 6pm and was led by Catholic priests and included the Archbishop of the Catholic Church in Samoa, Alapati Lui Mataeliga.

The Archbishop said that God Himself prepares us for every journey or calling in life. 

He advised Tomaagauaune that during his leadership, he should always remember his family, church and village. 

The Archbishop then made reference to how Jesus did not come to be served, but to serve. 

“It is sweeter to serve than to be served,” he said. 

“We must follow in the footsteps of Christ.  We need leaders who will take action.”

He then also said, “o le ala i le pule o le tautua [which translates to the path to leadership is through service].”

“It is significant to serve or to be of service.”

Archbishop Mataeliga also prayed for Tomaagauaune as he embarks on a new journey of service to his family, church and village.  

“We wish you well on your new journey. May there be peace and harmony…that is the strength of any family.”

The Archbishop added that peace and harmony are significant because there are times where families fight over lands and titles but not over who will serve.