About SSVP Tonga
The Society of St Vincent de Paul (SSVP) was established in the Kingdom of Tonga in 1973 and has flourished since then. In September 2023, the Society celebrated its 50th Anniversary, marking 50 years of active presence in Tonga.
Conferences in Tonga
Today there are 19 active Conferences in parishes spread throughout Tonga – Tongatapu, Eua, Ha’apai, Vava’u and the two Niuas. A National Council is in place, overseeing the Society in Tonga.
The Society has four Young Vinnies Conferences and more than 50 Young Vinnies – a sure sign that the spirt of the Society is alive and active among the next generation of Tongans. A National Youth Committee has been established to foster the growing interest in Young Vinnies groups in parishes.
What we do
Our main activities are home visitation to the sick and elderly, and distribution of food parcels. We work closely with our Twinning Partner in New Zealand, especially in responding to the natural disasters which regularly strike Tonga – cyclones, tsunamis and even a volcanic eruption in 2022. In times of greatest need, New Zealand Vincentians have sent us containers of essential supplies and our members have worked hard to help people cope with the immediate crisis and rebuild their lives. Our twinning arrangement with New Zealand, sustained over decades, is a great example of the Society working together internationally to support people in desperate need.
An exciting development is underway with the establishment of a St Vincent de Paul Charity Shop in Ma’ufanga Parish on Vuna Road, Tongatapu. The new Shop will be a great boost for the local community, providing essential household goods at a low price – clothing, kitchenware, utensils, and bedding. There will also be a gift shop selling Catholic medals, rosaries, prayer books, and Mass supplies.
Memberships
The Society in Tonga is a member of the Council General International and Oceania SSVP Territory. In 2021 our President, Tevita Moengangongo Lolohea, universally known as Sakopo, was nominated to the International Executive Committee (IEC) for the first time in our history.
The Society in Tonga enjoys the strong support of Cardinal Paini Mafi and the wider Church community. Over 50 years, the Society in Tonga, built on the faith and dedication of our members, has gone from strength to strength.
"Let us do without hesitation whatever good lies at our hands."
Fredric Ozanam, Founder Society of St Vincent de Paul
Contact us
If you would like to find out more about the National Council of Tonga, fill in this form and we will get in touch with you.
SSVP National Council of Tonga
Toutaimana Catholic Center
1 Hala Vahaakolo
Phone: (676) 23822/23823
Email: moko1558@gmail.com
