| Background: I am from a small island in Tonga, called, “Ha’apai.” I grew up on the island, raised by my parents who are still living. There I entered primary school (elementary school), from 1997 to 2003. Then I moved to the main island, Tongatapu, for high school in 2004, ended in 2011. In 2013, I taught in the same high scholl for a year and a half, and I joined the Sacred Hearts during that time. When did you first think that God might be calling you to be a priest? I actually thought and felt that God was calling me to be a priest after I joined. In a small country like Tonga, priesthood is in the minds of most young men, if not all, but many are reluctant on joining because they feel that they are not worthy. In my journey, I was invited by a close friend for just an informal conversation with a Sacred-Hearts priest, and from that conversation, I was invited to move in with them and observe. After months, I did not have any negative observation, so I joined the Pre-Novitiate program. In this program, the image of priesthood started to get clearer, and I felt attracted to it. An idea came into mind, that even if I am not worthy for the call, which most likely is the case, God and His work is bigger than my unworthiness. He can turn my unworthiness into a useful tool for His work. From there, I have felt God’s call getting stronger every day, despite the challenges that we all have in life. Why did you choose the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts? In Tonga there are only two religious orders – the Marist Fathers and the Sacred Hearts. The Sacred Hearts were the first ones I talked to, and I have not thought of joining another order since then. Favorite hobbies and/or fun fact about yourself: I like Music and exploring new things and places. Favorite Bible passage: Matthew 5: 3 – 12 My favorite Bible passage are the Beatitudes. For me, these passages bring encouragement and gratefulness. Your favorite saint: St. Francis of Assisi I really appreciate the idea that we co-exist in this world with other forms of life, and Francis’ love for animals support the co-existence that we have in this world of ours. Afterall, we all need each other. The other reason why he is my favorite saint is because St. Francis of Assisi is my baptismal saint. |
