News Release

Queen Nanasipau'u Thanks Missionaries for Cleaning Royal Tombs

            

Within just seven days following Cyclone Gita hitting Tonga, more than 40 missionaries of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, dressed in traditional missionary attire, were helping to clean Mala’e Kula, the Royal Tombs. Tonga Nuku’alofa Mission President Sione Tui’one said, “We are honoured to be able to give back to the Royal Family with our service.”

Mala’e Kula is a sacred burial ground where only the Royal Family (former Kings and Queens) are buried.

            

Tropical Cyclone Gita had left a large trail of broken trees and branches and other debris inside and surrounding the Royal Tombs. The cleaning was organised by President and Sister Tui’one.

       

President Tui’one explained, “Sister Tui’one and I made sure that all our missionaries were properly dressed in our traditional Tongan attire. Even though we are here to work and clean, I wanted our missionaries to know the importance of respecting not only the Royal Tombs but the current King and Queen. We’re glad we did so because the Queen of Tonga came out to thank us personally. This was a special moment for all of us.”

One of the Latter-day Saints’ “Articles of Faith” states: “We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honouring, and sustaining the law.”

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