Diocese of Samoa Pago Pago has confirmed the appointment of the first local priest to be chosen bishop for the Catholic Church in American Samoa.
In a statement issued says the Feast of St John Vianney, the Holy Father Pope Francis announced on Vatican Radio in Rome that Father Kolio Etuale, Chancellor and Parish Priest of Holy Family Parish Tafuna has been chosen to be the 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.
Father Kolio Etuale (49), the son of Tumanuvao Etuale Felise of Lotofaga, Samoa & Maniva and his adopted Parents are Tumanuvao Kelekolio Tumanuvao M andonika Etuale of Iliili Am. Samoa.
He 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, on May 29 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 the 4th of November the Feast of St Charles Borromeo.
