Lisbon- August 2023. Over 104 pilgrims from the Kingdom of Tonga participated in World Youth Day (WYD) which took place in Portugal between 1-6 August 2023.
WYD is the largest youth event of its kind in the world and of the globe Roman Catholic Church.
The events held in Lisbon, Cascais and at the Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima in Fatima, took place as part of a Pastoral Visit made by His Holiness Pope Francis to Portugal at the invitation of the Portuguese President and Government.
His Majesty’s Hon Consul General in Portugal Anthony Bailey said “It was a great honour to receive the many pilgrims coming from Tonga, and from the self governing states of Niue and the Cook Islands.
“They were undoubtedly the most travelled pilgrims attending this global celebration of Christian faith. A celebration which attracted over 1.5 million pilgrims from two hundred countries and territories.
“For some of our Tongan nationals this trip was their first travel outside of the Kingdom and remarkably many did so taking up to four flying days and 25,000 kms to reach the Portuguese capital.
“On 1 August 2023 I was delighted as the head of Tonga’s diplomatic mission in Portugal and to WYD to greet and welcome the pilgrims on their arrival at the University College of Pius XII in Lisbon”.
On 4 August 2023 at the request of the WYD delegation the Hon Consulate General was pleased to facilitate for all the Tongan pilgrims their travel to the Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima, some two hours outside Lisbon.
On 5 August 2023 the Hon Consul-General hosted a roast pig lunch at Sabores de Sintra restaurant in Sintra for the pilgrims and other guests of the Consulate General.
This three hour event featured a musical celebration of religious, national and folk music from across Portugal and other Portuguese speaking countries. It was performed by the renowned singer and musician Fernando Pereira, Carlos Lopes and his Real Companhia band.
The Tongan pilgrims spontaneously responded with their own performance of Tongan music and dance much to the delight of the Portuguese present.
The lunch commenced with prayers offered by the priests and nuns in attendance. A short speech was made by the Consul General who outlined the importance of Christianity in Tonga which he said is today practiced by 97% of the population principally within the Methodist, Roman Catholic and LDS churches.
Mr Bailey further remarked how since 1875 by decree of King George Tupou I the cross of Jesus Christ is featured in the National Flag of Tonga with the white in the flag symbolising purity and the red evoking the sacrifice of the Blood of Christ during the Crucifixion.
Tongan delegation leaders including James Mafi offered a vote of thanks to the Consulate General for its hospitality and assistance offered to the pilgrims.
The Hon Consul-General later joined the pilgrims at the Papal Vigil held in the presence of Pope Francis and the President of the Portuguese Republic on 5 August 2023 and again at the farewell Papal Mass held on 6 August 2023 at the Campo da Graca in Lisbon.
Following the conclusion of their visit to Portugal the pilgrims departed to Rome. Pope Francis greeted personally the Tongan pilgrims at the Paul VI Audience Hall in Vatican City which was widely covered by the Vatican and Tongan press.
“The Tongan pilgrims made a great and positive impression on all whom who came into contact with them in Portugal and for this I am most thankful to each of them. They have represented Tonga proudly and have become the latest page in the story of the ever closer ties now being built between our two ancient and seafaring nations”. the Consul General concluded.
