Samuel Maetara

My name is Samuel Maetara; I come from Solomon Islands, Malaita Province in the Southern region. I was first interested in joining the Society of Mary in 2000. At this time I was finishing Form 5 in secondary school. I felt moved by something higher to try and seek to join a priestly religious order. It is a long story to tell but to cut it short, I was enthusiastically searching around from place to place to try and find my vocation. While I was still searching I decided to write a letter to the Marist’s teaching brothers. I was waiting to see if there would be a response but it none came.
In May 2001 I had a magnificent dream about Mary’s call for me. I felt greatly encouraged and strengthened to search for my vocation once more. Then one day I was convinced that if I see a priest I can share with him about my interest and through that he can direct me to the right place. Therefore I felt lucky to meet an American Marist Priest working with Arch Diocese of Honiara. In our discussion I shared with him why I wanted to be part of the Church as a seminarian because I only see white Priests serving in our nation. Furthermore they are getting old and starting to die. But above all I have big heart for the poor, rejected and marginalised, and I really want to be part of the Society of Mary which places a lot of emphasis on reaching out to the poor and homeless.
From 2002 to 2004 I was with the various Marist Communities back in my Country living the Marist life. I can remember times that I really experienced challenges to turn back to my old passions. But I managed to walk through my challenges and I can really see my vocation as a sign post before me. From 2005-2006 I was doing my pre-noviciate in Bomana Marist College Seminary in Papua New Guinea. During these two years I was doing my Philosophy Courses and other Church studies which I graduate with a Diploma in the Religious Studies at end.
In 2007 I went to Fiji for my Noviciate in Tutu and I was professed at the 28 December. I was really enjoyed the 12 months of discerning and the test of God during the year. This year also was a great year of formation and learning the Marist society.
In 2008 I went back to Marist College Bomana and continued with my Religious Studies and at the end I graduated with Advance Diploma

In the beginning of last year I came to Good Shepherd College. This is my second year in theology studies and also my sixth year so far in the seminary formation. Seminarian life has not been as easy as I expected, but it is ongoing process to seek the truth and love that God has for me. Everyday I learn something new and I continue to discern my call. I find it a great discipline for my life to keep on loving God, and I will continue to strive to do it for the rest of my life.