By Staff Writer
Loving tributes are flowing at the sudden passing of 85 year Rev. Kasiano Leaupepe, at his Lepea village home last week.
The Catholic catechist emerged as a prominent church leader who became Chairman of the influential National Council Of Churches until his term ended this year.
His sense of good humour endeared him to many both young and old and regardless of religious beliefs.
“ Rev. Kasiano was a man with a strong sense of humour and good oratory skills in our Samoan culture,” former Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi know so well.
He attended the same Catholic Parish at Si’usega with the late catechist as fellow parishioners.
Tuilaepa observed how Rev. Kasiano became popular over the years to a large following of people drawn by his cheerful personality.
“His ability to make people laugh will be missed, it was a God given talent that stood out well in his work.
“Humour is one way to help ease the burden of duty he was responsible for as a church leader.”
Cultural oratory was another special attribute that stood out very prominently for the late Rev. Kasiano.
His strong beliefs and love of the Samoan culture was there for everyone to see.
“Rev. Kasiano had a traditional tattoo from the mid-section to his knees, that went against general religious beliefs not to spill innocent blood,” Tuilaepa recalled.
“It’s a tradition that many of the other church denominations religiously observed but not the Catholics – many of the Samoan priests have traditional tattoos.”
Tuilaepa credits Rev. Kasiano for his influence in the blending of respect for the traditional culture and the religious teachings of the church.
As Chairman of the National Council of Churches, an understanding of contradicting religious beliefs in the different churches and how to resolve them was a key responsibility.
The challenge is not an easy one for churches who are members of the Council and those outside.
Funeral service arrangements are yet to be finalised for the late Rev. Kasiano with overseas family members traveling to attend.