Pope may allow married Catholic men as priests
Pope Francis has said the Catholic church may consider ordaining married men who could potentially then work in remote areas faced with a shortage of priests.
“We must think about whether viri probati are a possibility,” Francis said, referring to older married men who are already involved in church business.
“Then we have to decide what tasks they can take on, for example in remote communities,” he added in an interview with German weekly Die Zeit.
Many in the church believe, given the lack of priests in many places, that a new path to ordination should be opened.
They think that in addition to priests who take a vow of celibacy, older married men with a long commitment to the church could also be considered.
Pope Francis said in May 2014 that “there are married priests in the church” citing Anglican ministers who converted, Coptic Catholics and the priests of some eastern churches.
The church, and notably the current pope’s predecessor Benedict XVI, had previously said that celibacy was not a matter of inflexible church dogma unlike, for example, the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
However, Francis said allowing priests in training to choose whether or not to be celibate was “not the solution”.
-The Guardian
Tonga seeks multi-million dollar funding to help fight against climate change threats
The Tongan government revisited a proposal to bring millions of dollars to the nation to help its battle to reduce threatening impacts of climate change in the kingdom.
This had been discussed in a workshop in Nuku’aofa this week which was conducted by Mr. Yusuke Taishi and Mr. Kevin Petrini from UNDP.
Known as the National Appraisal Workshop on Tonga Coastal Adaptation Project Proposal, organisers said they were applying to get the money from the UNFCCC’s Green Climate Fund.
The proposal will be submitted in April.
The Minister of Climate Change Hon. Siaosi Sovaleni told the workshop Tonga wanted US$50 million “to help the vulnerable communities to better manage their natural environment through coastal protection measures, sedimentation management, environment based adaptation coastal management and capacity building”.
Hon Sovaleni said previous studies had identified highly vulnerable communities in Tonga where coastal erosion, flooding, inundation and coastal water problems needed urgent actions.
The Deputy Prime Minister said: “Tonga is at the frontline to experience further devastating impacts of climate change but the country seeks to reduce the risks and to build capacity and resilience.
“The project proposal if successful will yield resources towards addressing the aforementioned vulnerabilities at the same time help build the community’s resilience to climate change impacts and climate related events.
“It is our duty to look for solutions and find a way we can use to minimize the effects of climate change in the communities that vulnerable.”
The workshop was also attended by district and town officers, NGOs, Civil Society Forum and representatives from the communities.
The half-a-day workshop was facilitated and co-hosted by the UNDP and the Department of Climate Change under MEIDECC.
Investigation after allegations of brutality against school children made on radio talk back show
A student has been taken to hospital and a Police and Ministry of Education investigation is believed to be underway after a grandmother claimed a teacher severely smacked her grandchild and his school mates.
The woman told Tonga Broadcom Broadcasting on Wednesday she thought she could reveal it to the talk back show thinking the authorities could hear her complaint and do something about it.
The teacher allegedly threatened to beat the children’s parents if they told them about their punishment.
She said her grandchild was terrified and when she asked to take him with her to the school and talk to the teacher he refused.
Callers to the show were discussing what should be done to reduce violence against woman to mark International Women’s Day.
Callers were discussing the proposal that sports could help reduce violence against women.
The grandmother told the radio she was surprised when she noticed one of her grandchildren who was studying at Vaini Middle School had severe bruises on his body.
When he was asked to explain, the grandchild alleged he was beaten by a teacher at the school.
The grandchild alleged the teacher was violent.
He claimed the teacher sometimes hit all the class including boys and girls and told them they would be punished more if they told their parents.
He alleged the teacher told them he feared no one, including the Police.
The grandmother told the radio she was shocked to see this type of punishment still used in schools.
The radio programme later reported they had been informed the child was taken to hospital later after the broadcast.
They said Police and the Ministry of Education were investigating.
The main points
- A student has been taken to hospital and a Police and Ministry of Education investigation is believed to be underway after a grandmother claimed a teacher severely smacked her grandchild and his school mates.
- The woman told Tonga Broadcom Broadcasting on Wednesday she thought she could reveal it the talk back show thinking the authorities could hear her complaint and do something about it.
- The teacher allegedly threatened to beat the children’s parents if they told them about their punishment.
- Callers to the show were discussing what should be done to reduce violence against woman to mark International Women’s Day.
Massey graduate returns to Tonga, glad to be giving back to his community
Massey University graduate Semi Hausia has returned to Tonga to begin a career as a quarantine officer.
He joined the Ministry of Agriculture and Food, Forests and Fisheries after completing his degree and taking a summer internship organised by the Pacific Cooperation Foundation.
He spent the summer with Auckland Council’s Environmental, Monitoring, Research and Evaluation team.
He was one of 15 graduates picked for the internship.
His job with MAFF involves tracking what happens to commodities from Tonga when they are exported.
This means ensuring that they can be traced in a way that complies with international market requirements.
Hausia said his experiences had helped him obtain his position with MAFF.
“The most significant lesson I have learnt is about the levels of management, the linkages and boundaries,” he told the PCF Newsletter.
“Knowing my position and my responsibilities will enable me to work both effectively and efficiently.”
He said he was delighted to be home and giving back to his community.
“I’m feeling confident in myself and my ability in my field of work and expertise.”
The main points
- Massey University graduate Semi Hausia has returned to Tonga to begin a career as a quarantine officer.
- He joined the Ministry of Agriculture and Food, Forests and Fisheries after completing his degree and taking a summer internship organised by the Pacific Cooperation Foundation.
- He spent the summer with Auckland Council’s Environmental, Monitoring, Research and Evaluation team.
- He said he was delighted to be home and giving back to his community.
For more information
Summer Internship opens doors in Tonga
http://pcf.org.nz/summer-internship-opens-doors-in-tonga/
Information on PCF internships
VIDEO: Tongans urged to help people who need a hand
Nuku’alofa resident Jason Takitoa Fangupo Heimuli has urged Tongans to share their good fortune with people who need help.
Heimuli was talking after he came across a woman lying by Sālote Road on Tuesday night.
He had been out to buy a takeaway meal about 7.30pm.
Vehicles and pedestrians went past the woman, but nobody stopped to help her.
Heimuli said when he arrived the woman appeared to be unconscious and was lying helpless on the sidewalk.
He helped resuscitate the woman and then, with the help of a security guard at the Post Office, helped the woman to Heimuliʻs car.
Heimuli took the woman to hospital. When she said she had no food he stopped and withdrew money to buy food.
The woman was checked by the nurse and seen by the doctor.
He said he was told the woman was staying in the area at Sopu.
Heimuli said the woman thanked him and said: “Thank Jesus for your love. If you did not pick me up the vehicles would run over me.”
“My life has no negative intentions on anyone, I am the happiest person and a happiest son to my lovely parents and a happiest brother to all my siblings,” Heimuli said.
“Sometimes in our life, when someone needs your help you’re facing away and don’t help.
“Someday you see people who need a hand, but you just ignore them and walk away.
“We need to help and share what we have both spiritually and physically.
“You will never became popular or famous when you help someone, but you are winning a million of hearts.
“There will be no crowd, but He is watching you.”
The main points
- Nuku’alofa resident Jason Takitoa Fangupo Heimuli has urged Tongans to share their good fortune with people who need help.
- Heimuli was talking after he came across a woman lying by Salote Road on Tuesday night.
- When he arrived the woman appeared to be unconscious.
- He helped resuscitate her and took her to hospital.
Evacuated Fonoi residents return home after devastating flooding
Clean-up efforts are well underway in the island of Fonoifua in Ha’apai after last week’s devastating flooding.
Residents used chilly bin and empty containers to get out of residences after floodwaters following heavy rains left people trapped in their homes.
Small rowing boats were also used to carry their belongings and young children during the evacuation.
Pictures uploaded to Facebook showed the aftermath of the floods and how the torrential rain caused the devastating damage on March 4 – 5.
Watermarks can be seen half way up the walls of houses at low lying areas and in some areas the water was waist-high.
The residents fled and took shelter in the Government Primary School, the only building that was not affected by the floods.
Reports from Fonoi said six homes have lost all their furniture and contents.
Several government officers from NEMO office had been deployed to help in the emergency response and recovery after the floods, reports said.
NEMO said yesterday there were no casualties and the flooded areas had completely dried out.
King Tupou VI approves new appointment and reshuffle of ministerial posts
His Majesty King Tupou VI has granted request by Prime Minister ʻAkilisi Pōhiva to appoint a new minister and reshuffle some of the government portfolios to be effective from March 6.
A statement from the Prime Minister’s office said Hon. Māteni Tapueluelu became the new Minister of Police and Fire.
Hon. Tēvita Lavemaau became the new Minister of Finance while his Revenue and Customs portfolios go to Hon. Pōhiva Tuʻiʻonetoa, the former Police and Labour and Commerce Minister.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been shifted from the Prime Minister’s portfolios and brought under the control of the Deputy Prime Minister Siaosi Sovaleni.
The Prisons Department has been also shifted from Police and brought under the control of Justice Minister Vuna Fāʻotusia.
The move is part of a wider cabinet reshuffle following the resignation of Dr. ‘Aisake Eke as Finance Minister.
According to the statement this is how the restructure stands after it was granted by the king according to the constitution.
“The Deputy Prime Minister, Hon. Siaosi Sovaleni continues as the Minister for Meteorology, Energy, Information, Disaster Management, Environment, Climate Change and Communications and will also be the Minister for Foreign Affairs.
“The Hon. Tēvita Lavemaau, ceases to be the Minister for Revenue and Customs and is reassigned to the ministerial portfolio of the Minister for Finance and National Planning.
“The Hon. Pōhiva Tu’i’onetoa:
(a) has ceased to be the Minister for Police, Prisons and Fire Services;
(b) continues as the Minister of Commerce, Consumer, Trade, Innovation and Labour; and
(c) will also be the Minister for Revenue and Customs.
“The Hon. Sione Vuna Fa’otusia continues as Minister for Justice and will also be the Minister responsible for Prisons.
“The Hon. Māteni Tapueluelu, People’s Representative of Tongatapu No. 4 Constituency, is appointed as the Minister for Police and Fire Services”.
Diver, 72, found floating off Pātangata
A 72-year-old man was pulled from the ocean near Pātangata on Tuesday 7.
The diver was found floating near the coast by villagers at about 10pm.
His family said the man went for a dive off the coast.
He was confirmed dead when his body arrived in hospital
An inquest into his death was underway, Police said.
Man electrocuted while using washing machine in ʻEua
A 52-year-old man was electrocuted while using a washing machine at his house in ʻEua on Monday.
A family member found Lopeti Touliki ‘Aholahi unconscious near the machine at around 4:00pm, Police said.
Health authority reportedly said ʻAholahi died at scene.
His autopsy report has confirmed he died from electrocution.
In March 2013 Suliasi Tonga Maʻasi , 22, of Haʻavakatolo was killed by the electric current from a washing machine he was using.
