| Background: I am number six of twelve children with nine brothers including myself and three sisters. I came from a poor family, but a very strong Catholic family. I grew up in the village of Ma’ufanga on Tongatapu island. My father was a catechist and prayer was the center of my family life. Both my father and mother worked very hard to raise us and to have education. I attended the government primary school (GPS Makamaka) at Ma’ufanga. In 1982, I entered secondary school at St John’s High School which is run by the Marist. I completed my secondary years at St John’s which was later name ‘Api-Fo’ou college. I was very much involved in the school activities, work, sports. I was ready to join the Marist at the Pacific Regional Seminary straight after high school, but with some advice from my aunty who is a nun, to take a year or two break before entering the seminary. So, I changed my mind and looked for a job and I was lucky enough to get a job because there were not many jobs available that time. I got a job with a British company in Tonga, Cable and Wireless company. In 2000, the Company finished its contract with the Tongan government then I joined the Tonga Telecom. I helped my father with the schooling of my younger brothers and sisters. My family work together to help each other, we helped our father in the plantation, went fishing to put food on the table. We also helped our mother in cooking, washing, cleaning the house, and look after the younger ones. My older brothers did the same thing when they finished school. I did enjoy my work very much, I joined the youth, Sunday school teacher. My brothers and sisters had their own families and moved on, and I was still working and looking after mom and dad. My dad passed away in 2013, I quit my job in 2016 to join the Congregation. My mom passed away last year, 2021. I worked for the Telecom for 25 years. When did you first think that God might be calling you to be a priest? I think the idea came to me that God might be calling to be a priest toward the end of my last year at high school. I took a job to take a break from school before entering the seminary, but it took 25 years. Since prayer is center in the family and my upbringing, it has a big impact in my life. During these years of working, this thinking that God was calling me to be a priest was never gone from my mind and heart. Up to this moment I can say that God is calling me to be a priest. Why did you choose the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts? I used to walk pass the SSCC formation House in Tonga because I lived very close by, and it always got my attention by letters SSCC on the gate. One of the formators, Marisi Palepale first introduced me to the Congregation, and I started to think about it. I chose the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts because I was inspired when I read about the history of the Congregation and the work of St. Damien in Molokai with the lepers and the poor. I was also inspired by the charism of the Congregation and their spirituality. So, I think this congregation suits me in her spirituality and mission works. Favorite hobbies and/or fun fact about yourself: My favorite hobbies are walking, running, reading, and gardening. When I am stressed, tired, or want to take a break from school stuff, I always take a walk or go running. Favorite Bible passage: John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life." Your favorite saint: Francis of Asisi. |
