Papal award of Samoan Diplomat Fe’esago Siaosi Fepulea’i

Friday, May 13th, 2016

Fe’esago Siaosi Fepulea’i was presented a Papal Award by Archbishop Alapati Lui Mateiliga during Mass at the Immaculate Conception of Mary Cathedral in Apia last Sunday.

He was presented with the Order of the Holy Sepulchre Pro Ecclesia Et Pontifice.

An 80 year old nun, Sister Elisapeta, received the Pro Ecclesia Et Pontifice.

It was awarded in her absence because of her age.

She has been a nun for sixty years and currently lives at the Sisters’ residence at Vailoa.

Fe’esago served the church in Samoa with his work for the Saint Vincent de Paul Society.

He also took part in the translation of the liturgy from Latin to Samoan.

In receiving the award, Fe’esago acknowledged “with gratitude and a real sense of humility this blessing received from His Holiness Pope Francis.”

“I know of no one who practices the Catholic faith just to receive and achieve an award.”

“Each and every one of us are on a journey through our lives to our eternal reward.”

“We are just labourers on the vineyard of the Lord and no one can expect more than the promised wage in the field.”

“Today’s award then is for me personally but is a further sign of Gods continued blessing on me.”

“I receive it undeservedly and with a deep sense of unworthiness. Indeed God works in mysterious ways.”

“I can only in response echo a line or two from that beautiful song of praise of our Lady:

My soul magnifies the Lord, My spirit rejoices in God my Saviour, For he has looked with favour on the loneliness of his servant. The Lord has done great things for me and Holy is his name.”

Fe’esago had a long and illustrious career as a public servant.

He was the Clerk of the Legislative Assembly when Samoa became independent in 1962 – a position he held for many years.

He was Samoa’s Ambassador to Brussels and Europe, including the Vatican.

He served two terms as Samoa’s High Commissioner to New Zealand.

He has also been Chairman of the Public Service Commission and on the Board of Polynesian Airlines.

Source