When I travel, I generally go to Mass on Sunday. I'd attended Mass at St. Augustine's By-the-Sea in Waikiki in past years, but this year's Mass was something unexpected and very special.

The choir was Tongan. I didn't understand any of the words they sang, except that I knew when the Kyrie (Lord Have Mercy) and the Gloria were being sung because the words were projected on the front walls, with the titles above them.

The choir was absolutely stunning! It's impossible to describe their music, of course, but it was simply amazing--strong and powerful. Many of the choir members were wearing Tongan clothing, with a woven mat as a sort of skirt over a regular skirt. All the ushers and some of the choir members were Tongan--big, strong-looking young men, some of them wearing the traditional skirt-like garment and bushy hair pulled back into a sort of pony tail.

I had my digital recorder with me, so I recorded most of the music, but I don't think the recording really comes close to conveying the experience.

I don't know if this was a one-time event or if it's repeated at any time, but it was wonderful.

Sounds like you found a hidden gem of an experience. Thanks for reporting!

Aren't these experiences whey we travel? Sounds very special.

I generally go to Mass every Sunday at home, but it seems that when I go to Mass in other places, especially in Europe, I often have a really superb experience. Beautiful church, beautiful music, maybe first Communion or some kind of special service. I've been very fortunate to have attended wonderful Masses.

Sounds like something I would have enjoyed very much. I remember a mass in Madrid that was special. Also a stop in a Catholic Church in Buenos Aires (not for mass) was a treat. A chorus of young people were practicing Christmas Carols. It was wonderful to see their shining faces and hear their lovely voices. It's true, travels often give us memoral, unexpected experiences.

To Pegontheroad- This is probably the nicest posting I've seen in my many years on this post. Thank you.