The arrival of the first French Marist missionaries in Tonga in 1836 marked a significant moment in the kingdom’s history, as it facilitated the introduction of Catholicism, the dissemination of new Christian influences, and advancements in education throughout the islands.
Despite its significance, this history remained largely unknown to the broader public because it was documented exclusively in French.
Given that Tonga’s official and secondary language is English, the historical context presents a linguistic barrier that restricts the engagement of Tongan and English historians and impedes the opportunity for varied interpretations and discussions for about two centuries.
As such, the new book and its author have received recognition on social media as groundbreaking contributions to the history of the church and Tonga, with numerous commenters saying about two centuries years of previously unacknowledged history have finally been brought to light.
Felise Tāvō has this week announced the publication of his book, “Catholic Church in Tonga History Missionaries and Timeline”.
The book, written in English, covers various aspects of the Church’s history, including the establishment of what appeared to be the first high school in Tonga, Apifo’ou College, which was founded in 1865 by the French Marist priests.
Tāvō said additional readings were still required on diaries, letters, and documents stored at the church’s achieve at Toutaimana headquarters in Tonga.
“The research has yet to be completed as I have yet to read the multi-volume diaries by the French missionaries such as Lamaze, Blanc, Castagnier, Reiter and others at Toutaimana’s archive”, he told Kaniva News.
“If that’s done, there will be a possibility for more clarity and correction of our history”.
He plans to visit Tonga next year to continue his research and writings.
He acknowledged that prior research and endeavours had been made to translate and compile the history. However, he has not yet identified any published works resulting from those initiatives.
Tāvō, a dux of ‘Apifo’ou College and former priest, previously said that ‘Apifo’ou College had undergone different names in its 160-year history, should one count from its foundation at ‘Ahopanilolo.
It was first named St Stanislaus College in 1865, Blessed Peter Channel College in 1889, Kolisi Katolika / The Catholic College in 1892, St Peter Channel College in 1954, St John High School in 1964 and it was named ‘Apifo’ou College in 1987, marking the combination of St John High Schools and Saint Mary’s High School.
St Mary’s High School was established in 1965 for girls.
The book also details several notable incidents regarding the interactions between the Marist priests and King George Tupou I, who was regarded as the Founder of Modern Tonga, before and after the Civil War of 1852.
Despite some drawbacks, especially since the king had already accepted the Protestant Wesleyan Church and became a member, he subsequently developed a close relationship with the priests. This included the king’s frequent visits to the priests at Ma’ofanga, during which he received various gifts from them.
Tāvō has invited all who are interested in the book, especially the ex-students of the Apifo’ou College, to buy it, as all proceeds will go to the college.
He said: “But why should anyone buy this book? Apart from doing it for a worthy cause, the chapter on the history of ‘Apifo’ou alone makes it worth getting a copy according to former Principal Fr. ‘Ekuasi Manu in his Foreword to the book (see first comment below). But a more important reason, I think, is the sources upon which this book is based, namely, the much overlooked records left behind by about 40 French Marist missionaries sent to Tonga since 1842, many of whom died there for the faith.
Once again, all proceeds from the sale of this book, either online or at ‘Apifo’ou, will be donated to the college. Given the goal, may I urge my fellow ex-‘Apifo’ou to consider buying a hardcopy or at least spread the word”.
You can buy the book here:
Those in Tonga can now buy a hardcopy of this book at ‘Apifo’ou for $50 Tongan Pa’anga. Please enquire at the college during office hours.
For those in the USA, Australia, New Zealand and anywhere else but Tonga who would like a hardcopy of this book, you can now buy it online for $25 USD (excl. shipping) from Lulu Press via this link: bit.ly/4jipyVR
“Once again, all proceeds from the sale of this book, either online or at ‘Apifo’ou, will be donated to the college. Given the goal, may I urge my fellow ex-‘Apifo’ou to consider buying a hardcopy or at least spread the word”.
