A Tongan Christmas

SALT LAKE CITY — "The Eucharist is the most important part of the Christmas celebration in Tonga," said Deacon Sefo Manu, of St. Patrick Parish, Salt Lake City. "What I remember most about celebrating Christmas in Tonga is coming together to share in the body and blood of Christ at midnight Mass. The family is the second most important aspect of Christmas."

"Extended family members remain close in Tonga, as they do here in the United States," said Deacon Manu, who has been in the United States for 31 years. "We celebrate with a luau, by cooking the whole day. Seafood is the main dish, but we may also roast a pig. Tropical fruits are also very central to our celebration."

The kingdom of Tonga is located in the South Pacific Ocean, north of New Zealand and to the East of Australia. It comprises around 150 islands, but fewer than 30 are inhabited. Deacon Manu said Tonga is the largest island and has a warm and humid climate. He prefers a warmer climate, but has gotten used to Utah’s cold winters.

Deacon Manu said a Christmas gift from one family to another usually consists of a large amount of food. Sharing with your neighbors is a Tongan Christmas tradition. After preparing the food, it is customary to take a plate to your neighbors.

"Sharing reminds me of today’s Gospel, (Luke 3:10-18), which says, ‘Whoever has two cloaks should share with the person who has none. And whoever has food should do likewise.’ If you have two cloaks, you should give one to your neighbor. If we have anything extra, we should give it to those people who are in need.

"I also remember getting together to eat and say prayers. My father would sing as loud as he could because he wanted to share our Catholic faith with the neighbors."

Deacon Manu said the first Catholic Mass in the Tongan islands was celebrated in 1842. In 1892, after 50 years of mission work, the Catholics established a total fellowship of 2,315 members. The missionary phase ended in 1972 when Father Patelesio Finau became the first local bishop.