| Background: I am from the second island groups of Tonga known as Vava’u, from a small village called Toula. Viliami and Ane are still alive (my parents), I have 4 sisters and 7 brothers. I am the second youngest. I was educated at Toula Primary School, from there to Vava’u High School where I was fashioned intellectually. When I finished high school, I stayed home for a year, helping out at the farm and doing house chores for a year. After a year at home, I decided to answer the call for this vocation. When did you first think that God might be calling you to be a priest? The idea first entered my line of thought when I went to Fiji for my eldest brother’s first vows that were taken in Fiji. The atmosphere and the community life caught my attention, from then on, I had a strong desire to answer the call. The desire was made strong when I finished high school, for no matter how much I try to ignore it, I still find myself back in the desire to become a priest. Why did you choose the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts? I would say that the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts chose me. I was at the main island of Tonga looking to join the Vincentians; however, it was Fr. Chris Kaitapu ss.cc who came and visited me. He told me to go with him to their community, they were about to move to another building. I was asked to help with their transition to a different home, moreover, to see how their community life is. Since then, I haven’t left the Sacred Hearts community. Favorite hobbies and/or fun fact about yourself: I love a good joke. Favorite Bible passage: John 15:13 "Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends." Your favorite saint: St. Therese of Lisieux |
