My story: a passion for equality
Telesia Alaimaona
My name is Telesia Alaimoana and I was born in Samoa. I migrated to New Zealand at the age of 16. I attended St Mary’s College in Samoa from 1978-1980, and Bishop Viard College from 1981 for my remaining secondary school years. I am a mother of two teenage daughters and continue to live in Porirua with my family, including my 88-year-old mother. After raising my family and working at various jobs, I took up tertiary studies through Massey University, Palmerston North and Whitireia Community Polytechnic, and graduated with a Batchelor of Social Work in 2014. I currently work for the Capital & Coast District Health Board, working in the Disability Sector. I have a passion for supporting social justice and equal rights. I am a member of the Wellington Archdiocese Justice, Peace and Development Commission. This passion also inspires me to be involved as part of the Leadership Team for Our Lady of Hope (Tawa/Titahi Bay) Parish Council.
During May, we celebrate ‘Mary, Mother of Jesus’. As a mother, I am reminded of and reflect upon Mary’s role as a Spiritual Mother and its relevance to this modern world. The four Gospels in the Bible, Mathew wrote of the ‘Birth of Jesus’ and Mary’s role of child-bearing. In Mark’s Gospel, he wrote about how Jesus re-set the boundaries of family life to include ‘women’. Mary’s role here is shown as a confident and loving leader of a family. In Luke’s Gospel, he wrote of Mary having faith in God. She was a human figure experiencing distress and joy as she watched over her child. In the Gospel of John (2:1-11), the story of the Wedding in Cana is an example of Mary’s assertiveness as she insists Jesus help in a difficult situation. John also wrote about Mary as a woman who was sure of herself and confident about her place in the community (19:25-27).
These are just some of Mary’s roles as a ‘Mother’ that inspire me to do what I do for my family, my community and church and in today’s world. I am very passionate about treating people equally and for everyone to have a ‘voice’ and ‘choices’. The work of Rosa Parks, the African-American woman who refused to give up her seat on the bus and who is the mother of Modern Day Civil Rights Movements, inspired me to remember the simple act of courage, defiance and dignity committed by her.
I pray all the mothers may have a wonderful day on Mothers’ Day, 10 May, and be inspired by the many roles of Mary, Mother of Jesus.
Fa’afetai.
Telesia Alaimaona is a member of the Wellington Archdiocese Justice, Peace and Development Commission and is part of the leadership team for Our Lady of Hope (T
awa-Titahi Bay) Parish Council.