1 June 2023
Congratulations to Christchurch East Priest Fr Paulo Filoialii, who was recognised in the New Year Honours earlier this year. Fr Paulo was awarded a New Zealand Order of Merit for Services to the Pacific Community at the Investiture Ceremony on Tuesday 23 May.
In 2012 Fr Paulo was recognised for his kindness, service, and heroism during and following the Canterbury Earthquakes, and has been a magnificent supporter of the Pasifika Community throughout the city and our Diocese.
Fr Paulo was the first Pasifika Priest ordained in Rome in 1990 and Samoan Mass was celebrated for the first time in the Vatican at his ordination, resulting in Pope John Paul II decreeing that the Samoan Mass could now be celebrated anywhere in the world.
Fr Paulo is the current Chaplain for the Christchurch Women’s and Men’s Prison, providing support to victims and perpetrators at Court and through spiritual counseling.
