First local priest chosen to be Bishop of Church in Am Samoa

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Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Chancellor and Parish Priest of Holy Family Parish Tafuna, Father Kolio Etuale (shown in this photo provided by the Diocese of Samoa Pago Pago) has been chosen to be the Coadjutor Bishop of the Diocese, says Bishop Peter Brown, head of the Catholic Church in the territory in a statement yesterday to the Catholic Community and the community of American Samoa.

“With great joy and praise to God, the Diocese of Samoa Pago Pago announces the appointment of the first local priest to be chosen bishop for the Church in American Samoa,” said Bishop Brown.

Bishop Brown explained that yesterday, Aug. 4, the Feast of St John Vianney, the Holy Father, Pope Francis, announced on Vatican Radio in Rome the appointment of Father Etuale to be Coadjutor Bishop of the Diocese.

“On the retirement of the present bishop, Bishop Peter H Brown, Bishop-Elect Kolio Etuale will become bishop of the Diocese,” according to the Diocese statement, which also states that the 49-year old Father Etuale, is the son of Tumanuvao Etuale Felise of Lotofaga, Samoa and Maniva Palala (deceased) of Moata’a, Samoa. And he has five siblings.

His adopted parents are Tumanuvao Kelekolio Tumanuvao & Monika Etuale of Iliili, American Samoa.

Father Etuale was educated by the Marist Brothers, graduated with a BA in Philosophy and Master of Divinity from Mt Angel Seminary and was ordained priest in American Samoa, in May of 2003. He is currently completing his Doctorate in Pastoral Ministry.

He has worked extensively in parishes and schools throughout the Diocese for 19 years serving also on different Diocesan organizations. He was appointed the Chancellor of the Diocese in 2021.

“The Catholic Community of American Samoa, his family and friends join together in congratulating Bishop-Elect Kolio Etuale, a son of Samoa, on being appointed to serve in this new role and look forward to his consecration on November 4 for the Feast of Str Charles Borromeo,” according to the Diocese statement.