Evelina So’oto was born on 10th May 1934 in Leone, American Samoa, to Selina Talamaivao and Kiso So’oto, both from Leone. Evelina was raised under the loving care of devout Catholic parents and her seven siblings, who all contributed to her growth, nourishing her spiritual life and her love of Jesus and Mary. This, no doubt, built the foundation on which God prepared her for her future vocation in life. With the silent prayers and gentle support of her family, Evelina graciously surrendered to God’s call to religious life in the congregation of the Missionary Sisters of the Society of Mary, where she received the name Sister Malia Vitalina 

Vitalina was blessed with many wonderful nieces and nephews, their children and an extended family who cared for her as best they could. Her family was proud of her, their beautiful Taupousa (Nun), who was successful in connecting the link between her relatives in both American Samoa and Samoa. She was held in high esteem by all her relations. 

 

On 31st May 1957, Sister Malia Vitalina So’oto made Religious Profession at Heretaunga in New Zealand, and later her first renewal of Vows at the same place. During this period, she served as Sacristan, helped in the Altar Bread department, and was an enthusiastic gardener. In 1961, she renewed her vows for a second time at Wahroonga, Australia, where she helped in the Altar Bread Department and did some studies. 

On 31st May 1963, Vitalina made her perpetual vows of Poverty, Chastity and Obedience. She was totally happy, willing and ready to give her whole life to God for missionary work in our Religious Congregation.  

 

From 1960 and 1968, she was missioned to Samoa where she taught class and carried out various other duties. She was in Auckland from 1969-1971 doing some studies for community nursing and gaining experience at the Mater Hospital. Between 1972 and 1987, Sr Malia Vitalina went abroad five times, often returning to Samoa to teach, focusing on catechism in the schools and catechetical ministries in the parishes. Her overseas travels took her to Maryknoll in New Zealand for her second Novitiate, three months’ vacation in Tonga, the EAPI Course in the Philippines and catechetical ministry to the Samoan community in Auckland. 

Malia Vitalina gave community services at Via Cassia in Rome from 1988 to 1990. The following two years took her to London for pastoral training, obtaining a certificate in psychology and counselling at the Missionary Institute. Upon her return to American Samoa in 1991, she spent 9 years as Diocesan Coordinator for the Catechetical Program. From mid-1999 to February 2010, Malia Vitalina served in the Province of North America, caring for the senior Sisters, providing pastoral care in a parish in California and participating in some courses related to health and community care. 

 

Sr Vitalina’s missionary life included various responsibilities and duties. As a community nurse, Vitalina excelled in caring for our elderly Sisters or for others needing medical advice. She was a very competent teacher in our smsm schools, in parish catechism, catechetical ministries and teaching at the Theological College at Moamoa. She also provided counselling and pastoral care for parishes she was in. Community service was also paramount in Vitalina’s ministries, doing household chores, caring for the elderly sisters, looking after the chapel, sewing and providing hospitality. She was sincere in whatever she did. 

 

The ‘Savavali I Le Malamalama’ (Walk in the Light) catechetical programs were the joy of her heart. She worked collaboratively with her team members, ensuring resources and book contents were well planned for the young and old alike. For Vitalina, nourishing and empowering the spiritual life of people from all walks of life, was very important throughout her 67 years of SMSM life. 

 

Vitalina believed that prayer was the source of her inner strength, receiving divine graces that would empower her to fulfill her services as best she could. She was a very loving, reflective person who listened and then responded with confidence to what was being discussed. Her facial expressions and a pointed finger would often emphasize her views and opinions.  Her good sense of humor, her smile and laughter, would lighten up any conversation.  

Sr Vitalina’s SMSM life took her from Samoa to many countries and finally back to Samoa in 2016, where she spent her final eight years, until her death on 9th June 2024 at the Vailoa community for our elderly Sisters.  

In God’s loving plan, Evelina So’oto was God’s gracious choice in the Society of Mary: “Evelina, you did not choose Me, it is I, God, who chose you” John 15:16. At her Profession, Malia Vitalina responded with these Words:  

 

“Most Holy Trinity, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, I, Sister Malia Vitalina So’oto, confident in your mercy, 

 give my whole being to You, as a Missionary Sister of the Society of Mary… 

Mary, my loving Mother, I am entirely yours 

By your prayer, keep me in the love of Your Son until He comes. Amen 

(SMSM Constitutions #61) 

 

Malia Vitalina lived a beautiful life, overcoming challenges and struggles with perseverance, deep faith and a positive outlook on life.  On Sunday, 9th June, our 100-year-old Sr Malia Makalita, slowly moved to Vitalina’s bedside and spoke these comforting final words to her: “Vitalina, how are you...?  Don’t worry about anything… have courage… have a blessed journey to Jesus and Mary.” Then we sang ‘Gentle Woman’ in Samoan. Malia Makalita continued to the 3rd and 4th verses on her own, as the rest of us did not know the words!! About twenty-five minutes later, Malia Vitalina peacefully took her last breath on earth. We all felt that Malia Makalita’s soothing voice, prayerful song and encouraging farewell, helped Malia Vitalina to willingly surrender to God’s call to her eternal home. 

 

Thank you, Sr Malia Vitalina, for living out our Constitutions #51 “Mary’s one desire was to do the will of the Father which she sought throughout her life, and to cooperate with her whole being in the saving work of her Son”. 

 

May your soul rest peacefully in God’s Kingdom.