This Sunday, the children are the kings and queens, taking center stage in churches and also in their homes.
It is Lotu Tamaiti or White Sunday, a special day for children which was started by early nissionaries of the London Missionary Society, the precursor to what is now known as the Congregational Christian Church of American Samoa.
Lotu tTamaiti is now celebrated among Samoan communities the world over.
In his White Sunday message Governor Lolo Moliga calls the children special gifts from God and emphasizes the role of parents in protecting and taking care of these treasures. ,
He said, “While White Sunday may be considered one o the few days of the year that we openly shower our children with attention and love, as devout Christians, we fully understand and embrace the position of our children in the eyes of our Heavenly Father with clear knowledge that our children are God’s belessing bestowed on parents and families.
Governor Lolo said, “Our attached responsibilities to nurture and carefully rear them, so they all achieve God’s promises for them, also are divine blessings and privileges from God.
The leader of the Catholic Church in American Samoa, Bishop Petelo Brown issued the following message for White Sunday:
“This weekend American Samoa enjoys a long weekend with Monday the celebration of Columbus Day the remembrance of Christopher Columbas’ arrival in America in 1492 and the arrival of Europeans to the Americas.
“Somehow, I believe a greater celebration will take over our weekend, namely Lotu Tamaiti or White Sunday.
“It is with joy that we have this special day and recall the special love that Jesus had for children in His words: “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to such as these.”
“Lotu Tamaiti reminds us that our children are given to us a gift from God, not to own or use, but to treasure and guide so they in turn may become true disciples of Jesus Christ.
“On behalf of the Catholic Community of American Samoa may I wish you all a safe and holy weekend where we celebrate the beauty our Creator through our children. May God Bless American Samoa.”
