The Reverend Ese`ese “Ace” Tui was born and raised in Faga’alu, American Samoa. He is the eldest son of Siamani Kelemete Tui Fa’atiliga, who is deceased, and Miriama Tasi Toleafao Aumaivao Tui. He has three younger brothers, Sanele, Valoaga, and Siamani, Jr., and a younger sister, Tilomai.  Father Tui’s nickname, “Ace,” was gifted to him by an older cousin who thought his given name was too long.

Father Tui graduated from Samoana High School in Utulei, American Samoa. His first job was with the non-profit computer tech firm, Pacific eCDC, in American Samoa.

In 2006, he moved to Hawai’i to live with his extended family. For the next five years, Father Tui worked for The Arc in Hawai’i, an organization that serves people with developmental disabilities and who are mentally challenged. While in Hawai’i, he took computer science courses at Remington College, Honolulu campus.

In the fall of 2012, Father Tui entered Mount Angel Seminary in Saint Benedict, Oregon to study for the priesthood. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Religious Studies and Philosophy He earned his Master of Divinity in Theology from Saint Patrick’s Seminary in Menlo Park, California.

Father Tui was ordained at the Co-Cathedral of Saint Theresa in Honolulu on May 21, 2021. His ordination date was the anniversary of the ordination of Saint Damien of Molokai.


Reverend Tui’s first parish assignment, made by the Most Reverend Larry Silva, Bishop of Honolulu, was to Saint Anthony Church and School in Wailuku, Maui, Hawaii.