Perpetual Vows of Brother Anitelea Fidow
Br Anitelea Fidow, from the Star of the Sea province, professed his perpetual vows on January 13 in the Immaculate Conception Cathedral, in Apia, Samoa. The celebration was presided by Bishop Peter Brown, the Dioceses Administrator. Were present at the celebration, the provincial, Br Peter Carroll, many brothers, Fidow’s family, friends, Religious Sisters, ex-Marist students and supporters.
Br. Peter invited Br. Anitelea to Profess his vows. He also assured him his continuing support and brotherly encouragement. The provincial also took the opportunity to thank the local Church, through Bishop Peter, people, and supporters for the way in which they have enabled them to continue their mission and ministry in Samoa.
Br Anitelea Fidow professed the vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience for the rest of his life, and he confirmed his commitment to Christ through the Institute of the Marist Brothers. In his speech Br Anitelea expressed his gratitude, to the organizers and helpers, to his mother and family. He also confirmed his faith through a cultural Penitential Rite from his country and was covered with a samoan i’e toga (fine mat), signifying contrition and forgiveness.
Redemptorist Bishop, Peter Brown, ex-student and friend of the brothers, explained the significance of the Profession and brought a sense of family to the occasion. His homily was simple but profound. The Bishop congratulated Anitelea and thanked the Marist Brothers for their continuing commitment to the Samoan Church and people.
Br Sefo Une, Country Coordinator, acted as master of ceremonies and ensured everything went to plan, from entry procession to presentation of the crucifix and signing of the documents.
It was a marvellous ceremony: the choir, with its variety of voices and harmonies, its English and Samoan songs, melodies, and rhythms, brought joy and beauty to the ceremony.
After, the celebration moved from the Cathedral to the Marcellin Hall at the nearby Marist Brothers Primary School at Mulivai. The food of the reception was plentiful in Samoan style, and the music was constant and dancing intermittent.
Among the brothers were John, Chris, Kees from Fiji, Tainga and Amberoti from Kiribati, Peter Horide from New Zealand joined the Samoan community of Sefo, Siaosi, Afa and Kevin for all the celebrations.