Submitted
A Lifetime Commitment
Like the U. S. Post Office in the olden days, neither snow nor sleet nor any other natural or man-made obstacle could keep family, friends, fellow Sacred Hearts Brothers, Fathers and Sisters, and St. Mary parishioners from gathering at the North Fairhaven Church Sunday morning, 2/9/25, for a very special event.
They had come, not only from Fairhaven and vicinity, but also from Texas, California, Hawaii, Tonga, Fiji and New Zealand, to witness the perpetual profession of religious vows by Brother Soane Siua, SS.CC. These vows of poverty, chastity and obedience “as a Brother of the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary, in whose service I wish to live and die,” came at a crucial moment in his preparation to be a Sacred Hearts priest.
Around two years of seminary study remain before the hoped-for day of ordination to the Catholic Priesthood. He will then be called Father, but will always also be “Brother” as a member of the Sacred Hearts Congregation. After ordination, he will be assigned to a ministry where the Congregation serves — Fiji, Tonga, Hawaii, California, Texas or even back in Fairhaven or New Bedford.
In his own words, Brother Soane shares his thoughts at this watershed moment of his life:
“I was born and raised in American Samoa, one of the U.S. territories. After spending my early years there, I migrated to the Kingdom of Tonga to complete my elementary and high school education.
“I grew up in a strong Catholic family, where faith was the most important value. Growing in faith inspired me to follow the calling of Christ. Through this journey, I came to know the Sacred Hearts community in Hawai’i. After attending a Come and See experience, I decided to join the congregation.
“I began my formation with the pre-novitiate program in Harlingen, Texas, in 2018, then continued to the novitiate in Hemet, California, later that same year. On December 8, 2019, I professed my temporary religious vows at Holy Name of Mary Church in San Dimas, California.
“Now, after 13 months of pastoral service, I have professed my final vows on February 9, 2025, at St. Mary’s Church.
“I am grateful for the time spent serving here, and for the welcome and support of my SS.CC. brothers and sisters, as well as the people of Fairhaven, especially the people of St. Mary’s Parish and the priests who have been pastors there during my time. It was wonderful to share my special day with so many, and I ask for prayers as I commence the final stage of my preparation for the priesthood.”
Brother Soane has been a pastoral intern at St. Mary’s for a little over a year. He has also helped out at St. Joseph’s and at Our Lady of the Assumption in New Bedford. All three parishes have been served by the Sacred Hearts Congregation since their founding early in the last century. St. Mary’s has begun to celebrate its centennial year.
Brother Soane will now return to the seminary to complete his academic preparation for ministry. He will next be ordained an transitional deacon, and sometime next year, a priest.
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- Brother Soane prostrates before the altar while all chant the Litany of the Saints during the profession of his religious vows at St. Mary’s Church in Fairhaven on Sunday, 2/9/25. Submitted photo.
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- Brother Soane professes his vows into the hands of Father Lane Akiona, ss.cc., provincial superior, at St. Mary’s Church in Fairhaven on Sunday, 2/9/25. Submitted photo.
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- Brother Soane Siua, SS.CC. poses with clergy and family after he professed his vows at St. Mary’s Church in Fairhaven on Sunday, 2/9/25. Back row L-R: Brother Soane, SS,CC., Father Lane Akiona, SS.CC., Provincial Superior of the United States Province of the Sacred Hearts Congregation, and Father Maiki Kamauoha, SS.CC., Pastoral Administrator of St. Mary and St. Joseph Churches. Also pictured are Sacred Hearts Brothers, Priests, Sisters and family members present. Submitted photo.
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