Hammer and tongs were the tools of the blacksmiths, which had to be very strong and energetic in their work.
Becasue of this "tongs and hammer" evoke the imagery of strengh and vehemence. So this means that the parish priest was very loud and vehement about the prayers.
A simile is a figure of speech involving the comparison of one thing with another thing of a different kind, used to make a description more emphatic or vivid. Now, you simply have to find the simile, and think about how you can interpret it. Since you did not attach the excerpt I can’t answer but at least this is how to do it.
Actually this is false <3
hope this helps!
good luck!!!!!!
