Scriptures ceremoniously carried in procession. Photo: Mary-Ann Greaney
WelCom March 2018: A Samoan Mass was celebrated at Sacred Heart Cathedral on Sunday 11 February to officially begin the Samoan Chaplaincy programme and works for 2018. Cardinal John Dew presided and Frs Petelo Mauga, Maleko Api – Tufuga and Penehe Patelehio concelebrated. The combined Wainuiomata and Petone Samoan choirs led the singing.
In Samoan culture, traditionally when there is a special message for the village, wooden drums are beaten and a conch shell is blown as a sign for the people to gather to hear the message. This tradition is reflected in the ‘Enthronement of the Word’. The scriptures are ceremoniously carried by four young unmarried men accompanied by singing, while the people remain standing in respect as the Word is processed to the Lectionary.