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Soane Patita Paini Mafi became Tonga’s first Cardinal at ceremony that took place at 11pm on Saturday New Zealand time.
Vatican Insider described the scene after the ceremony:
“Tonga’s first Cardinal was, “Surrounded by faithful and relatives who have formed a chorus and are singing a traditional song at the top of their voices.”
“There is about 30 of them and they are wearing a traditional oversized white shirt with necklaces made of red stones.”
“They stand out because hanging from their necks is a photo taken about 20 years or so ago of the new cardinal surrounded, in shirtsleeves, by a large number of brothers and sisters.”
Just before the solemn celebration in St Peter’s Basilica, Cardinal Mafi sat down with Philippa Hitchen to talk about the strong Christian faith in his country and about why the King and Queen of Tonga were also present to celebrate with him at Saturday’s Consistory.
Asked what the Church in Tonga can offer to the universal Church, the cardinal talks about the simplicity of lifestyle and the sense of God in peoples’ lives.
Also he says families ties are still strong and there is a respect for the elders in society.
Mafi said he met the King and Queen of Tonga for a regular New Year greeting on January 1st and learnt that they were planning a trip to Rome in February.
When he heard the news that he had been appointed a member of the College of Cardinals, he realised that the consistory would take place during the same time as their visit, thus they were able to share in the joy and celebration for all the people of the Kingdom of Tonga.
Source
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News category: Asia Pacific.
