The Leauva'a Catholic youth from Auckland are spending the week in Samoa, combining their Jubilee Year pilgrimage with community service and visits to sites significant to the Catholic faith.
The visit forms part of the Church's Pilgrims of Hope initiative, with the group travelling to Samoa to reconnect with their cultural and spiritual roots while supporting local communities.
Christina Victor, one of the youth representatives, said the trip provided an opportunity for many young Samoans born or raised in New Zealand to experience aspects of their faith and heritage that are less accessible overseas.
“A lot of the youth overseas, we don't get much exposure to this like here in Samoa,” she said.
“So coming back to give back is not only fulfilling, but it feels good that we're doing this.”
