Lepea Catholic Church Holds First Mass 7 Days Before Christmas
An aerial view of the St. Theresa's Lepea Catholic Church.
Photo: Courtesy Photo
This month parishioners at the St. Theresa's Lepea Catholic Church will finally get to spend Christmas Day in their massive new Church building that took eight long years to construct.
First Mass for the new building is scheduled for Sunday, 18 December following three days of festivities, Church members confirmed for EyeSpy Radio News.
Celebrations to mark the monumental opening will begin on Wednesday, 14 December with a Po Siva.
A taalolo is scheduled for Thursday, 15 December and the blessing and dedication ceremony of the Church and the altar take place on Friday, 16 December.
The Church says it was "a hard-fought journey" to achieve this milestone.
Construction of the building began in December 2014.
"A new church building stands before you in these photos.
We as a community of faith have been incredibly blessed to be able to reach this significant milestone. It has been a hard-fought journey which began in 2014," reads an event invite published by the Lepea Catholic Church on Facebook.
"In the beginning and throughout the past years, we have asked for God’s blessings for the success of this work. We have remained faithful in the belief that the work will be completed. Insofar as possible, that the structure built of stone, is now a visible sign of the living Church — God’s building that is formed of the people themselves."
Those who have contributed to the building have been acknowledged for their contributions to the Church.
"We acknowledge everyone (living and the faithful departed) who have been a part of this journey, for their prayers, encouragement, gifts, and donations we have received over the years. Your generosity and willing support have enabled the structural completion of the new church," said the Church statement.
"It is fitting now that the new church be dedicated to God with a solemn rite and in accordance with the ancient custom of the Church. We warmly invite you to be a part of this momentous celebration."
The Dedication of the Church and an Altar will be held on Wednesday 14 thiugh Friday 16 December, the statement explains.
"For family, friends and associates who are unable to travel to Samoa for this special occasion, there are several ways you can contribute to the dedication and celebration of the new church," the statement continues.
"In kindness, please accept our heartfelt appreciation for your support and generosity. Our Lord does not look so much at the greatness of our actions, or even at their difficulty, as at the love with which we do them (St. Therese of Lisieux)."
People who wish to make a monetary donation to the Church can wire funds directly into one of its accounts.
Use the words "Lepea Catholic Church" to conduct a Facebook search and locate the banking information.