A celebratory luncheon feast for HE Cardinal Mafi on Saturday, 11 April was attended by King Tupou VI and Queen Nanasipau’u at ‘Apifo’ou College grounds.

Cardinal Mafi (53) has become Tonga’s first cardinal following his appointment by Pope Francis on 14 February at St Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City.

He has become the youngest member of the College of Cardinals whose primary job is to elect the next Pope and advise Pope Francis on church members.

Organised by the Catholic Diocese of Tonga the celebration, included feasting and traditional dances by various parishes, was held after lent.

Crown Princess Sinaitakala was the vāhenga in a lakalaka by Ma’ufanga, while a ma’ulu’ulu was performed by Nuku’alofa, a group tau’olunga from Australia, a lakalaka by Takuilau College and a kailao by Houma.

The Queen Mother Halaevalu Mata’aho, Crown Prince Tupouto’a ‘Ulukalala and other members of the Royal Family along with the Prime Minister Hon ‘Akilisi Pohiva also attended.

The Catholic Church was established in Tonga in the 1800s.