The Hon Consul-General of the Kingdom of Tonga in Portugal, Anthony Bailey attended the Ceremony of the Presentation of the Nativity Scenes, accompanied by a concert of Advent and Christmas choral music, held at the Câmara Municipal de Lisboa as part of the city’s annual Christmas programme.
The event was hosted by Carlos Moedas, Mayor of Lisbon, and took place in the presence of Dom Rui Valério, Patriarch of Lisbon, both of whom reflected on the enduring significance of the Christmas message and the central place of the Christian narrative of the Nativity in public life.
The musical programme was performed by the acclaimed Capella de São Vicente, under the direction of Pedro Rodrigues, whose repertoire drew on English, French, Welsh and Portuguese traditions. The concert offered a contemplative and dignified reflection on the spiritual heart of the Christmas season.
Mr Bailey observed that the Christian narrative remains central to the identity and life of the Kingdom of Tonga, where Christianity continues to shape national values, education and social cohesion. He reflected on the richness and diversity of Christian communities in Tonga, while also noting the shared responsibility of civic and religious leadership in nurturing unity, compassion and faith.
He further noted that occasions such as this reflect shared values between Tonga and Portugal, both nations placing strong emphasis on faith, culture and the preservation of tradition within public life. The Consul-General expressed his appreciation for the hospitality of the Municipality of Lisbon and for the opportunity to participate in a celebration that brings together civic life, culture and faith at the heart of the Christmas season.