Sisters of Compassion, Houma, Tonga

Bishop Patelisio Finau invited the Sisters of Compassion to Tonga in October 1984, so as to bring the spirit of Compassion to the Western District of Tongatapu in the Parish Apostolate:

With village visitation, especially to the aged, the sick and poor families in their own homes.

Helping out with Education in Christian Living programmes in the villages.

Working with Women’s village development work of the Diocese.

Three Sisters arrived and were welcomed to Tonga on the 14th September 1985. They were Sisters Hulita Hefa, Mary Roseanne Gallagher and Colette Tupou. The Tongan title of our Order, “Home of Compassion” given by Bishop Finau, is “API ‘O E KAUNGA ONGO’I” means to be present, to feel with the people their joys, their hopes and their fears.

In their Mission Statement it is stated:

We are Sisters of Compassion
who have many diverse gifts
and are accepting of the different gifts
and needs of others.

We recognize our Mission
by showing Compassion in our daily living
and our relationship with the Church
in Tonga.

We do this in the Spirit of the Gospel
according to the example of Suzanne Aubert;
by being faithful to prayer and commitment
through our Community life
and works of Pastoral action and teaching.

At the present time, 2002, there are four Sisters in Tonga. Sr Colette is very involved with the Tongan Catholic Women’s League (CWL). Her role is the main advisor for the group in the Diocese of Tonga, and is a three-year term. Part of their action plan is to visit the fourteen parishes of the Diocese.

Sr 'Alisi is working in the office of Toutaimana, where she is on the ECL Team. This Team plans, trains and puts into action the religious programmes for children and adults of the Diocese as well as their teachers.

Sr Telesia 'Iva works full-time at the Houma Parish. Within the Parish there are nine small groups, plus two big groups. They study and discuss many of the issues confronting Tongan people today.

Sr Sosefina is working at a SMSM-owned College of Hospitality and Catering. She teaches English and Computer skills, and finds the work a great challenge.

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