Children wearing white and big smiles pose for the camera on White Sunday, a Samoan Catholic tradition, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Ewa Beach, Oct. 13. At the White Sunday Mass, they showed off their knowledge of their faith through dance and song. (Photo courtesy of Emily Tui)
By Emily Tui
Special to the Herald
The Samoan community of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish in Ewa Beach on Oct. 13 celebrated White Sunday, a traditional Samoan holiday of music, dance and praise.
On the second Sunday of October, the Samoan people go to church dressed in their finest white clothes. Children come prepared to celebrate their faith and to display their talents for their parents, grandparents and parishioners. They perform skits and dances, recite memorized Scripture passages and sing songs of praise.
To the musically-gifted Samoan people, White Sunday is a way to showcase the talents of the young people while having them come to know and understand their faith.
At the White Sunday Mass at Our Lady of Perpetual Help, a first for that parish, the Samoan community was joined by the Samoan choir of Sacred Heart Parish in Waianae. Father Ernie Juarez presided, assisted by Deacon Eric Kim.
After Mass the young children processed in and recited Bible verses from memory. Then the young adults and some senior members of the community performed two dances, offering praises to God for his love and mercy.