Catholic catechist
Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — A Catholic catechist who served at Maria Fatima Catholic Parish in Aua was suspended for one year following a sermon he delivered in October, 2024 — a decision he says was unjust, retaliatory, and rooted in misinterpretation.
"As the saying goes, the truth hurts. That is...

![The first charge against Catholic catechist Rev. Tomasi Taavili that lead to his one year suspension in October 2024 alleged that Rev. Taavili and his wife, Mrs. Wendy Taavili were absent on the first Sunday of August 2024. Rev. Taavili denied this, saying he had requested permission from Fr. Pua‘auli because they were accompanying their son, who was departing for higher education overseas, and Fr. Pua'auli had granted his request. He is seeking to be re-instated, and set the record straight. [courtesy photo] Rev. Tomasi Taavili and Mrs. Wendy Taavili](https://www.samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/rev._tomasi_taavili_mrs._wendy_taavili.jpg?itok=cc0RDW1N)