Asian Pacific Ministry at 1201 E. Highland Ave, San Bernardino, CA 92404 US - Formation of the Tongan Catholic Community

The Tongan Catholic Community was first established at St. Joseph Parish in Upland, California and is still active. The residence of the Tongan members covered the following areas within the Inland Empire: Upland, Pomona, San Bernardino, Ontario and Riverside. Due to the following factors: distance, transportation and catholic joining other religions, mr. Opalani Vaipulu, who was then the "Pule Ngaue" or Director of Activities for the Tongans, thought perhaps it is time to establish another Tongan Catholics Community within the Riverside area to serve the Tongans Catholics residing within the area. Mr. Opalani Vaipulu was one of the co-founders of the Upland Tongan Catholic Community. He is well known and respected within the Tongan Community: a practicing catholic, hard worker and a great leader both in theTongan Community's social and spiritual development. Mr. Opalani Vaipulu spoke with all the Tongans residing in Riverside and Moreno Valley about his thoughts of establishing another Tongan Community at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish. Many agreed to join and soon other Tongnas heard the news and wanted to join this new community. On October 16, 2001, Mr. Opalani Vaipulu and his son, Atu Vaipulu, who were already active parishioners of OLPH, spoke with Fr. Rutilio, Pastor, regarding the establishment of this new community and Fr. Rutilio gave his authorization and acceptance; thus the formation of the Tongan Catholic Community at OLPH.

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