Appointments and assignments in 2022 for Catholic diocesan priests

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Leader of the Dioceses of Samoa Pago Pago, Bishop Peter Brown announced a few days ago new appointments and assignments for Diocesan priests following last week’s annual retreat of priests of the Diocese.

According to the statement, issued in the Samoan language, Fr Kolio Etuale will be the rector for the Holy Family Parish at Fatuoaiga and also named as the new Chancellor for the Diocese. He replaces Fr Sefo Tupuola who is currently seeking medical treatment off-island.

Fr Kolio, had previously served as priest at St Paul Parish, Iliili, and will be replaced by Fr Pio Afu, who is currently the parish priest for Sacred Heart Parish, Alao. Fr Pio will also look after the Parish of St Joseph, Futiga.

Fr Salesi Moimoi will be the new parish priest for Christ the King Parish, Nuuuli, Fr. Salesi is currently the parish priest for Lepua Parish. Fr Andrew Wilson, who is now the assistant parish priest at Leone is appointed as parish priest of Alao.

Fr Sagato Tavete is the parish priest for Christ the King, Malaeloa, while Fr Ralph Solomona of the Diocese of Samoa-Apia will assist Fr Kekemete Puaauli, pastor of Holy Cross Church, Leone. He will look after the parishes of Asili, Afao and Amanave until the return of Fr Sefo from medical treatment. Fr Sefo will then be assigned to the parishes of Afao and Amanave.

Bishop Brown said the changes are effective on Jan. 16, 2021.