The theme “families are forever” was at the center of a second reunion of the descendants of the late Sola Nepa Matafeo and Muliagatele Fa’agagaloemauaiasoloufili at Leauvaa.  

The family event began last Monday and ended last Thursday with the ultimate goal of strengthening the current bonds between the family members and ensure they remain in place into the future. 

There were four generations present from the 11 children of the late Sola Nepa Matafeo and Muliagatele Fa’agagaloemauaiasoloufili.

According to the 93-year-old high chief of the family, Sola Lagi Tauiliili, reunions are important as it unites families.

“Family gatherings are significant — not only for the young generation — so that they know where they originate from, and understand their family history, meaning getting to know each other.

“The bonds of family were made stronger through different activities but it all started last Monday with a mass conducted by Father Taisali Leuluaialii of the Leauvaa Catholic church.

“A welcoming Ava ceremony was conducted for our families from American Samoa, Australia, New Zealand, and locally but altogether there was a lot of unity as family members bonded throughout the times spent together,” he told the Samoa Observer in a interview.

Sola said the union was an opportunity to converse on matters to further improve their family as a whole.

“It was evident that there were a lot of family bonding through activities, and also the young generation had the chance to learn who they were related to.

“We also discussed further plans in the future, like the next gathering, which will be in Australia in the year 2021.

“I am happy to say that it had been a great experience to be united with the family, even though it is sad to see it come to an end, but we have to look forward to the next reunion and plan ahead,” he added.

Sola indicated that they will now have their unions every two years instead of every three years.