(CEPAC, Pago Pago, American Samoa) — Bishops from island nations comprising the Episcopal Conference of the Pacific (CEPAC) gathered for important prayer, reflection and discussions during their Plenary Assembly August 5-11 in the Diocese of American Samoa, Pago Pago.

Most Reverend Kolio Tumanuvao Etuale and the Diocese of American Samoa, Pago Pago hosted the Plenary Assembly under the auspices of CEPAC and were extra hospitable and generous as they welcomed the visiting bishops. The Apostolic Nuncio to CEPAC, Most Reverend Gábor Pintér was also present with his new assistant from the Nunciature, Rev. Tomasz Gdula. Father Tomasz’ predecessor, Fr. Giosuè Busti started his new assignment in Belgium.

CEPAC comprises 17 dioceses, prefectures and missio sui iuris. By area, it is the largest episcopal conference in the world.  Thus, gatherings such as the recent Plenary Assembly are most significant given the challenges of traversing such great distances that most of its bishops face. Most Reverend Ryan P. Jimenez of the Archdiocese of Agaña, Guam is currently CEPAC’s President.

In his opening address to the bishops, Archbishop Gábor expressed his appreciation for the breathtaking beauty, profound spirituality and resilient cultures of the Pacific islands as he discussed CEPAC’s vision and mission.

“CEPAC is more than an administrative assembly of bishops or a geographical grouping of dioceses spanning our vast, beautiful ocean,” Archbishop Gábor said. “It is a vibrant, living testimony to our Catholic faith blossoming in the unique soil (or should I say sea) of the Pacific. It is a dynamic community of bishops, united in faith and guided by the Holy Spirit, striving collectively to live and promote the transformative power of Christ and the rich, enduring Tradition of the Church amidst our diverse, multicultural peoples.”

The Apostolic Nuncio noted the significant challenges that bishops in the Pacific face: “The immediate and long-term threat of climate change, persistent economic disparities, pervasive social injustices, and the continuous, urgent need to empower our youth and faithfully uphold the inherent dignity of every single person.”

“These realities are not distant concerns; they are woven into the very fabric of our daily lives,” Archbishop Gábor emphasized.

The first part of the Assembly was a time of Reflection and prayer facilitated by Brother Ian Cribb, SJ of Sydney, Australia. The theme was on the Friendship with Jesus. Conversation in the Spirit (from Synodality) was the methodology that the bishops used in sharing.  The second part of the Plenary was on Pastoral/Strategic Planning, reflecting on and identifying priorities in the region. The guide for this process was also a “Conversation in the Spirit” facilitated by Dr. Susan Pascoe of Melbourne, Australia. She invited all of the bishops to reflect on “What does God want for the Church in the Pacific at this time.”

Priorities of the Plenary Assembly focused on the following:

• CEPAC to be a prophetic voice on behalf of creation, ocean, and people
• Practice Synodality: diocesan bishops to form synodal teams in respective dioceses, synodal teams for parish groups, and dioceses to form clusters
• Deepening the faith of the people of God within the Pacific through implementing Synodal approaches in individual dioceses
• Strengthening CEPAC Secretariat by reinvigorating commissions, involving laypeople (including volunteers)

The opening and closing ceremonies organized by Bishop Kolio and the gracious people of the Diocese of Samoa Pago Pago were special celebrations: from the kava ceremony to traditional dances and presentations from the different parishes, local food, and hospitality.

Separate sessions focus on Pacific Regional Seminary

Members decided to hold a separate Conversation in the Spirit session to discuss the urgent state of the Pacific Regional Seminary located in Suva, Fiji.  The bishops voted to undertake a Review of the Pacific Regional Seminary.

At the concluding liturgy, members of the House of Representatives of the Territory of American presented CEPAC with a joint resolution that honored and commended President, Archbishop Ryan and the entire membership. The leaders of American Samoa applauded CEPAC for its “continued leadership and contributions to the Catholic Dioceses of the Pacific region islands, specifically American Samoa during their official visit.”

The Apostolic Nuncio presided and preached at the concluding liturgy. Archbishop Gábor urged all members of CEPAC to move forward without fear, “invigorated and renewed” and to embrace three profound calls from the day’s Gospel of Luke. He asked the bishops to carry the Gospel points “deeply in our hearts, allowing them to shape our ministry and our lives.” The three areas of calling are:

1. Fear Not: Trust unequivocally in God’s abundant generosity and His unwavering desire to give you the Kingdom. Embrace the confidence that comes from being God’s beloved “little flock.”
2. Be Ready: Live in a state of constant spiritual vigilance and joyful preparedness for service, keeping your lamps burning brightly through prayer and faith.
3. Be Faithful: Steward wisely the manifold gifts and sacred responsibilities entrusted to you, knowing with certainty that to whom much is given, much is expected. Let your actions speak louder than words!

Vatican News also covered the CEPAC bishop’s Plenary gathering and posted an article on its website at the following link: https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2025-08/island-bishops-gather-to-discuss-paths-for-church-in-pacific.html