Palauli (Samoan Islands). On 31 January 2026, on the Feast of St. John Bosco, in Sacred Heart Parish of Vailoa, Palauli, on the island of Savai’i, the largest of the Samoan islands, the Archbishop of Samoa, Monsignor Mosese Vitolio Tui, a Salesian of Don Bosco, presided over the Eucharist for the inauguration of the new primary school named after Saint John Bosco.
After Holy Mass, Archbishop Mosese blessed the new School in the presence of the SPR Provincial Sister Hieu Maria Luong, the parish priest, the assistant parish priest, some Salesian priests, the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians, parishioners, students, and their families.
The FMA of Mary Help of Christians Province in the Pacific Region (SPR), already present on the island of Upolu in Samoa, responded to the Archbishop’s request to address the educational needs of the large island of Savai’i by opening a new Catholic school in the village of Vailoa, in the Palauli district. This marks the first FMA presence on the island.
The aim of the mission is to reach as many children, adolescents, and young people in Palauli as possible with the educational pedagogy of Saint John Bosco, the Preventive System, and to help them become good Christians and honest citizens.
The three Sisters of the new Saint Mary Troncatti Community sent to Palauli – Sister Matalena Leota, Animator; Sister Sovita Paulo, School Coordinator; and Sister Kamila Nepa, primary school teacher – were welcomed with great enthusiasm by the parishioners, parents, and children. Along with the primary school, the Sisters will be responsible for starting a kindergarten and will be involved in the pastoral work of Saint Anthony’s parish in Gautavai, in the Palauli district.
Palauli is a district and village in Samoa with a population of 9,300 (2016 census) located in the southern part of Savai’i. Vailoa is the village where the school is located, also known as Vailoa Palauli. Palauli is a traditional district comprising several villages. The economy is primarily based on agriculture and fishing, with areas subject to environmental changes such as flooding.
Vailoa is a particularly significant village as it is home to the Pulemelei Mound, the largest and oldest ancient structure in Polynesia. In addition to its role as the district capital, it is an important center for traditional Samoan culture and natural landmarks.
In the context of the 150th anniversary of the first missionary departure (1877-2027) this new presence in the Pacific Region is a sign of renewed missionary boldness and openness “to the voice of the Holy Spirit, who alone can show us new missionary horizons and, as at Pentecost, can enable us to speak other languages, to proclaim the great works of God to suffering humanity” (Mother Chiara Cazzuola, Circular No. 1038).
May Mary, Mother, Teacher, and first Missionary of the Gospel, watch over and protect this new sprout, accompanying its steps, so that the charism of Don Bosco and Mother Mazzarello may continue to make the Salesian presence fruitful in the Pacific Region.
