3839(I)_Kingdom of Tonga, ordination of the second Salesian priest

By Fr. Jim Hoe, SDB

Nuku’alofa, Tonga, December 14, 2015 - Congratulations for newly ordained priest Fr. Lefai Nuku Tevita, the second Salesian priest from Tonga Kingdom. He was ordained at the Cathedral of Tonga and Niue diocese. The Eucharist was presided by Cardinal Soane Patita Paini Mafi on 14th December, 2015.

At the ordination Cardinal Soane Paini Mafi spoke very highly of Don Bosco and the Salesian family spirit to which our brother Nuku Luve Tevita Lefai was drawn in the early years of his seminary training in Suva (Fiji). The Cardinal was then a lecturer at the seminary, and was Nuku’s mentor. He accompanied Nuku throughout his formation, and it was clear how much it meant to Cardinal Mafi to ordain our brother to the priesthood.

Father Nuku celebrated his First Mass at the Basilica of Saint Anthony of Padua in the main island of Nuku’alofa (Tonga). The homilist was Father Platini who spoke about a Christ-centered priestly life, and about reaching out to God’s people especially the young with the heart of Jesus.

The traditional kava ceremony followed the Mass, and then the feast – and what a feast it was. The family from Nuku’s father’s side of the family and then his mother’s side of the family, then the two groups combined to entertain the guests according to local custom. The traditional song and dance also contained sections remembering Nuku’s mother and father who have passed away. These were joy-filled days, days of blessing for Father Nuku, his family and friends, the local priests and religious. And for us, it was a day of grace to be with our brother Nuku at his priestly ordination.

Ad multos annos!