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Benedict
Maria Lemeki, O.S.B. is ordained to priesthood On May 23, 2007, Bishop Gerald Kicanas of the Tucson Diocese ordained the first Benedictine Tongan priest at Holy Trinity Monastery. With a large number of priests, deacons, Benedictine Oblates, family, friends and a large contingency of Tongans from around the country and Tonga in attendance, the ceremony was enriched with Tongan traditions. They came from San Francisco, Los Angeles, Oakland, Salt Lake City, Nevada, Texas, Florida, Tonga, Australia and, of course, Phoenix.
Prior Henri Capdeville, O.S.B., and the Holy Trinity community welcomed Abbot David Geraets and Fr. Ray Roh from the Monastery of the Risen Christ in San Luis Obispo, CA. Abbot David was responsible for sending HTM founder, Fr. Louis Hasenfuss to St. David in 1974 to start Holy Trinity. Over the years the monastery has been open to all faiths for retreats and renewal. Many of different cultures have partaken of the serenity and beauty of this holy place. And, two priests have come from the monks here. Fr. Henri Capdeville, O.S.B. was ordained in 1993 and now Fr. Benedict Lemeki, O.S.B. On this festive occasion Fr. Benedict's mother, Mele Lemeki, from Tonga took an active part in the ceremonies. His sisters, Maria and Cecilia, and brother, Voa, were present along with many friends and relatives. His father, who was unable to attend, was represented by his uncle Fr. Benjamin who serves the Tongan communities in Australia. Fr. Soane Falemaka from Tonga represented mother's side of the family. A member of the Tongan Royal Family, Honorable Leafa Tuita Taumoepean, also came to attend this wonderful occasion.
The glorious voices of the Tongan choir, lead by Sikana Sili from the Phoenix Tongan Community, filled the large tent with worship and praise, ending the Mass with Handel's Halleluiah Chorus. Their praise in song was also heard on Sunday, May 24, at Fr. Benedict's First Mass. Music was sung in English and Tongan. The congregation joined in joyful song.
The beauty of the ceremony was enhanced by the participation of the Tongans, dressed in their finest traditional garb, dancing forth with the priest's new vestments, leis for each of the priests and later with the chalice and paten. Each priest was presented with a beautiful lei of fresh flowers. Fr. Benedict's mother carried special ones and placed one on Bishop Kicanas. During the ordination the bishop received Deacon Benedict and through the Rite of Ordination presented a new priest. He was examined as a candidate, declared a Promise of Obedience, received a Laying on of Hands, a Prayer of Consecration, Investiture with Stole and Chasuble, and Anointing of Hands. He was then presented to all as Father Benedict.
Mass began with attending priests concelebrating.
Following the Ordination Ceremony a Tongan traditional ceremony took place. Dressed in an elaborate Tongan dress, complete with a woven mat, Fr. Benedict was escorted to a prominent place for the special ceremony. A circle of talking chiefs was formed with them sitting on the ground on mats. Fr. Benedict's uncle, 'Akapusi Liku, was seated under a tent with the new priest. The rest of the circle is made up of talking chiefs from his mother's side of the family seated on the left and those from his father's family on the right. In the center of the circle is placed a roasted pig. This was divided among those participating in the ceremony, signifying Tongans belief that everyone is to share food.
A special drink was prepared, Kava, which is from the root of a kava tree, a member of the black pepper family, and is sweetened with sugar. This Kava Ceremony takes place at a significant moment of a person's life, such as a wedding or ordination. While all of this is being carried out, the talking chiefs shout out that when he is weak, they will supply support him. They expressed how proud they are to have him as a priest and how noble life is. They cried out in Tongan, "He is a gift of God! This is a happy day!"
The festivities continued afterward with the dining, food prepared by the Tongans. A head table included lavish decorations and a variety of food. Then the dancing began. Everyone got into the mood, the very young and old alike. Tongan dancers invited those in the audience to join them. The dancing, congratulations and good wishes went on for hours.
Gifts were brought in as respectful offerings for this important occasion. A beautifully embroidered grass mat, lavish hand-made quilts were presented and money was given to the dancers during the festivities. Distribution of those gifts was made not only to the newly ordained priest and to the monastery, but also to those dignitaries present in appreciation for their attendance. It can truly be said that the Tongans do know how to celebrate and it will be long remembered in the history of Holy Trinity Monastery. The photos included on this website page is only a sample of photos available for viewing. The link listed below will take you to a slideshow of the ordination ceremony and liturgy of the Mass. These photos were taken by Guy Atchley of Tucson. We thank him for capturing the moments for those who were there and also those who would like to share in its experience. Fr.
Benedict's Ordination Ceremonial Photos
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