Tonga’s Cardinal Soane Patita Paini Mafi took to the floor to dance as the Tongan Catholic community in Australia celebrated the Golden Jubilee of its Chaplaincy, marking 50 years of faith, service and community life.
Video shared from the celebrations shows Cardinal Mafi, wearing a traditional garland, joining the festivities in front of members of the congregation, drawing attention to a more relaxed and joyful side of the anniversary programme.
The dance formed part of celebrations surrounding the 50th anniversary of the Tongan Catholic Chaplaincy of Australia, which began its Golden Jubilee programme on October 1.
The anniversary celebrations have combined festivity with remembrance, including tributes to priests who played important roles in establishing and serving the Tongan Catholic community in Australia.
Members of the community gathered at Villa Maria in Hunters Hill, Sydney, where a wreath was laid at the grave of the late Fr Cyril Butler SM, known among Tongans as Patele Sililo.
The Chaplaincy described Fr Butler as the first priest to minister to the Tongan Catholic community in Australia.
The commemorations then moved to Rookwood Cemetery, where participants paid tribute to the late Fr Penisimani Folaumoetuʻi, who also served as chaplain to the Tongan Catholic community.
The Chaplaincy offered prayers for the two priests, saying: “May they rest in the peace and comfort of our Lord.”
The programme later continued at Belmore, where Cardinal Mafi was welcomed and presented with a gift from the Church.
His participation in the dancing added a distinctly Tongan cultural dimension to the religious celebration, with music and dance joining prayer, remembrance and fellowship as the community marked the milestone.
The Golden Jubilee commemorates five decades of organised Catholic pastoral ministry among Tongans in Australia and recognises the clergy and communities who helped establish and sustain the Chaplaincy.
