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Cardinal Soane Patita Paini Mafi returned to Tonga on February 26 after what he described as a “humbling” experience in Rome.
The Tongan cardinal was given his red hat by Pope Francis at the Vatican on February 14.
On his arrival back in Tonga, Cardinal Mafi said he had not been given any permanent role in a Vatican department yet.
But he said he will travel once a year to Rome to fulfil official duties as a cardinal.
“In the meantime, I am very happy to be home,” he said, adding that he would continue his normal duties as Bishop of Tonga and Niue.
Cardinal Mafi said he was deeply moved at the number of Tongan pilgrims who were at the Vatican last month to show their support and happiness.
At least 300 Tongans are believed to have been there to support him.
“It was a very humbling and amazing experience, especially coming from a small island like Tonga and being one of only two selected from Oceania to be appointed as cardinals, a position that has normally been selected from Europe as they are closer to the Vatican,” Cardinal Mafi said.
“It is a calling for Tonga.”
The cardinal was also deeply touched with the presence of Queen Nanasipau’u at the consistory.
“For Their Majesties to be in Rome at this same time was amazing.
“On the day as I walked down St Peter’s Square and heard that the Queen would be attending and saw Tongan flags waving, I was deeply moved and overwhelmed with feelings to have the Queen there,” he said.
The cardinal celebrated a thanksgiving Mass at Ma’ufanga on March 1, which was attended by Queen Mother and Crown Prince Tupouto’a ‘Ulukalala.
The Tongan government declared March 2 a national public holiday in recognition of Tonga’s first Catholic cardinal.
Sources
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News category: Asia Pacific.
