Religious Life
In his religious life, Napoleon served and defended the Catholic Church loyally and faithfully. He represented the Catholic population of American Samoa in the Church Unification Committee of Samoa. He has written the words and music for many hymns and conducted the Leone Catholic Choir for many years. He translated the anthem "Long Live The Pope" into the Samoan Language and composed his own memorial anthem for the first Samoan cardinal, Cardinal Pio Taofinu'u. He invited Pope Paul VI to visit Samoa during the visit of two papal emissaries. In connection with this, the "Tautai" (Fisherman), a local Catholic newspaper, in its publication in Vol. II, No. 11, November, 1970, said: ". . . and it was on this occasion that High Chief Tuiteleleapaga Napoleone asked the visitors on behalf of the bishop, priests, nuns, catechists, and Samoan Catholics, to convey to the Holy Father their request that he extend his visit to Samoa." The emissaries, Msgr. E. Macchi and Bishop Marzinkus, replied, "Your wish will be conveyed to the Holy Father; we will keep on reminding him, and you will be notified as to his decision before he starts his visit to Australia."
On the memorable and significant event, Napoleon not only showed his versatility but did something that surprised both the Samoan and white population. It was imperative that three anthems, "Long Live The Pope", "Star Spangled Banner", and "Amerika Samoa" must be played, sung or both. This was most difficult because only three minutes were allowed, due to a very tight schedule, enhanced by the fact that Napoleon had to conduct five different choirs composed of more than 400 singers, accompanied by three different bands that had not practiced together before. Despite these difficulties he succeeded in finishing the three anthems in only one minute and twenty seconds.
His only regret was not being able to shake the Pope's hand.
Read more about this topic: Napoleon Andrew Tuiteleleapaga
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