Prince Ata became visibly emotional as he addressed the congregation during celebrations marking 200 years of Christianity in Tonga, pausing at times as tears welled in his eyes.
As previously reported by Kaniva News, Tonga is marking the bicentenary of Christianity with nationwide events, including the Free Wesleyan Church Conference and bicentennial celebrations held from June 19–21, 2026, as well as a special public holiday on Friday, June 26, 2026.
The first missionaries from the London Missionary Society arrived in Tonga in 1797, but their mission ended tragically when all of them were killed during the Kingdom’s civil conflicts.
Christianity became firmly established only after the arrival of missionaries John Hutchinson and John Thomas in 1826. They landed at Kolovai, the estate of Prince Ata, where they established Tonga’s first mission school, naming it Nasaleti (Nazareth).
Speaking from the heart, the prince reflected on the enduring legacy of the Christian faith in the Kingdom and the profound significance of the bicentenary for the Tongan people.
The Prince’s address was delivered in a warm and engaging manner, blending humour, gentle teasing, and light-hearted anecdotes that drew laughter and appreciative reactions from the audience.
However, the mood shifted noticeably when he spoke about Nasaleti. His voice became emotional as he urged families to continue enrolling their children at the historic school, reflecting on its enduring significance to the people of Kolovai and Tonga as a whole.
The moment appeared to evoke memories of Nasaleti’s place in the nation’s history, as the school remains a living symbol of the arrival of Christianity and the beginnings of formal education in the Kingdom.
