Marist Asia Pacific Center

Samoa

When did the first Marist Brothers arrive in your country?

The first Marist Brothers arrived in Samoa in 1845. They were part of the first Marist Missionary endevour to bring Catholicism to the country. However, they withdrew few years later and in 1888, they returned to Samoa and that is regarded as the foundation of the mission.

Where did they come from? How?

They came from France by ship and it would have been a very long journey.

Why did they come? How was their relationship with the people in the early days?

They came as part of the Marist mission to bring Catholicism to the Pacific Islands.Samoa is one of these islands. The Brothers had difficulty in their relationship with the local people especially those who had already been converted to Protestantism when they arrived. However, they settled in slowly and were welcomed by many.

Name the type of apostolic activities/priorities Brothers have been involved in over the years?

Marist Brothers have been influential in education for many years in Samoa and these Samoans have benefited from it. Most of our leaders have been educated by the Brothers.

Name the current Marist Brother’s Projects in your country and the date of establishment

Curently, Brothers are very much involved in education in Samoa. The approach to education is different these days. We have a vocational school that provides opportunities to students from all works of life to further their studies in different fields of interest and ability.

In 2006, how many professed Brothers from your country?

There are 10 professed Brothers from Samoa.

How many missionary Brothers?

We have seven non-Samoan Brothers working in Samoa. one from Fiji, one from Tonga and five Brothers from New Zealand.

by Br. Sagato Vaoliko – Samoa