National Celebration to mark the ordination of His Eminence Cardinal Mafi Featured
8 April 2015
Preparation is underway by the Roman Catholic Church of Tonga for the celebration of the ordination of Soane Patita Paini Mafi as the first ever cardinal of the church. The occasion will be held at the ‘Apifo’ou grounds (St Mary’s Side) at Ma’ufanga on this coming Saturday 11th April 2015.
His Majesty King Tupou VI and other members of the Royal Family will attend the national celebration and the highlight of the occasion will be celebratory luncheon with traditional dances to honor the day.
Thousands are expecting to take part in the event including church members from outer islands who will be travelling to Tongatapu. Roman Catholic Church members from overseas and friends and relatives of His Eminence Cardinal Mafi will be in the kingdom to join this historical event.
The celebration is a national occasion due to its nature and the position of Tonga as a Christian nation. Their Majesties King Tupou VI and Queen Nanasipau’u Tuku’aho traveled to Rome in February to attend the ordination of Cardinal Mafi and a one-off public holiday on March 2nd was held in the kingdom to honour the occasion.
His Eminence Cardinal Mafi is one of 20 new cardinals being elevated by the pope and is an outlier not only in geography but also in age: At 53, he is the youngest member of the College of Cardinals.
