Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — For his many years of service in the Diocese of Samoa Pago Pago as well as within the community, Tualauta Rep. Larry S. Sanitoa has been presented with the ‘Pro Ecclesia Et Pontifice’ (for Church & Pope) award from the Vatican.

Retired Bishop Peter Brown, the former leader of the Catholic faith in American Samoa, nominated Sanitoa last year for the prestigious award. And he is quoted by KHJ News saying that it’s a tradition that at the end of a Bishop’s tenure he applies to Rome for awards to recognize the work of people in the Diocese during his time.

“This rare award was established by Pope Leo XIII in 1888 given to recognize distinguished service to the Church and Community,” Bishop Emeritus Brown explained in an email to KHJ News, that was shared with Samoa News.

“In doing so, it was my intention to recognize Larry’s work for the Diocese - work on the Cathedral and Hope House, fundraising and especially his 'behind the scene' help for those that are struggling,” Bishop Emeritus Brown said.

“I wished also to recognize his work as Faipule in the wider Community where his voice and work upholds Christian values in the Fono,” he said.

Sanitoa has served as chairman of the International Community, Holy Family Parish for nearly two decades, and has been a member of the Hope House board for more than ten years, and is the current chairman.

Responding to Samoa News queries, Sanitoa said: “As an unworthy servant, I am extremely honored for receiving this prestigious award from the Vatican. I am also very humbled and grateful for Bishop Emeritus Peter Brown for the nomination and for the kind words for the work we do for the church and our community.”

“I am just blessed to have an opportunity to work closely with Bishop Brown throughout his tenure as the leader of the Diocese of Samoa Pago Pago,” he said yesterday.

“Under his leadership, Bishop Brown reminded all of us that Charity (or love) is defined in the Catechism of the Catholic Church as, "The theological virtue by which we love God above all things for his own sake, and our neighbor as ourselves for the love of God,” Sanitoa said.

“While I'm humbled for this award, God sees and knows that there were many along our journey who have made it all possible... the Diocese, our Holy Family Parish, our very supportive International Community, Hope House family, friends and partners,” he said.

Sanitoa said that he is very “grateful for Bishop Kolio Etuale Tumanuvao’s ongoing support and encouragement in saying that Love is Sacrifice.” 

It was Bishop Kolio who presented Sanitoa with the award during a combined Mass of the Holy Family Parish on Sunday, July 30.