A colourful record of the 150 years history of the work of the Missionary Sisters of the Society of Mary [SMSM] in Samoa and the Jubilee celebrations in Apia last year, was launched last Saturday.
The 150 Anniversary Commemoration Magazine is the work of a Media Committee led by Sister Vitolia Mo’a and was designed and produced by Talamua Media.
It was also printed by Talamua Media with assistance from the New Zealand High Commissioner’s Office in Apia.
The magazine highlights SMSM’s contribution to education of women who became the country’s leaders such the late Masiofo [a female high chief or the wife of a high chief] Lili Tunu Malietoa and Masiofo Noue Tamasese whose husbands were joint Heads of State upon Samoa’s Independence in 1962.
It also highlights the Masiofos who were educated by SMSM whose husbands were members of the Council of Deputies such as Akata Fa’anenefu Faumuina, Ida Stowers Vaai, Merevahoi Laaulepona Leavaasa, Imeleta Pula Mataia and Fa’amausili Leinafo Tuimalealiifano.
SMSMs also produced two First Ladies in Gillian Meredith Malielegaoi and the late Pitolua Tofilau Alesana.
The magazine publishes tributes and messages from His Highness the Head of State delivered during the 150 the celebrations, the Archbishop Alapati Mataeliga and leaders of the SMSM worldwide and a pictorial summary of the SMSM 150 years from 1834 to 2014.
Speaking at the launch, Sister Losalia Mulipola, who celebrated 50 years’ service as an SMSM missionary in September 2014, acknowledged the hard work of all who put in their time and effort to make the magazine a reality.
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