Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Most Rev. Peter Hugh Brown officially stepped down as the Bishop of the Samoa Pago Pago Pule’aga with the official Installation of Bishop Kolio Etuale Tumanuvao as the new Bishop of the Catholic Church diocese on Saturday, Apr. 29, 2023, at the Holy Family Cathedral, at Fatu-o-Aiga in Ottoville.

Pope Francis appointed Etuale as coadjutor bishop for the Diocese of Samoa–Pago Pago on August 4, 2022. On November 4, 2022, Etuale was consecrated by Bishop Brown; and, on April 29, 2023, Pope Francis accepted the resignation of Bishop Brown and Etuale succeeded him as bishop in the installation ceremony held Saturday morning.

Assisted by deacons, Bishop Brown presided over Etuale’s installation with the choirs of Lauli’i, Fagatogo, Tafuna and Leone providing the hymns during the two-hour ceremony that was part of the high Mass.

In attendance from the American Samoa government were Gov. Lemanu P. S. Mauga, with the First Lady Ella and Lt. Gov. Talauega E. V. Ale with his wife Marian.

Members of the Fono attended, including Senate President Tuaolo Manaia Fruean, who presented the Fono Resolution to Bishop Brown — honoring his service to not only the Catholic Diocese of Samoa- Pago Pago, but the territory.

Congresswoman Uifa’atali Aumua Amata was also in attendance.

The celebration also acknowledged the work of Bishop  Brown in leading the Samoa-Pago Pago pule’aga.

Brown made special mention of the Feast of Catherine of Sienna, a 14th century saint, which is celebrated on Apr. 29th — the same day of Etuale’s installation.

St. Catherine is known as the Doctor of Unity for bringing about the union of the Papacy and returning it to Rome after nearly a century in France. In particularly she is the patroness against fire and illnesses. One of her memorable quotes is: “Be who God meant you to be and you will set the world on fire.”

The installation ceremony included the presentation of the coat of arms and the Samoan To’otoo and Fue, which Etuale embraced, signaling his acceptance of the mantle of Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Samoa- Pago Pago.

The To’otoo and Fue are singularly traditional Samoan symbols of authority which were incorporated into the installation ceremony. They are the traditional symbols of a Samoan talking chief.

The fue is said to represent the collection of experiences, ideas, values and traditions of the church which Bishop Etuale will use to lead his flock, as its newly appointed shepherd.

The to’oto’o is said to symbolize the authority used to keep, live and preach the word of God as the newly appointed Bishop of the Samoa-Pago Pago pule’aga.

Pope Francis appointed Etuale as coadjutor bishop for the Diocese of Samoa–Pago Pago on August 4, 2022. On November 4, 2022, Etuale was consecrated by Bishop Brown. On April 29, 2023, Pope Francis accepted the resignation of Bishop Brown and Etuale succeeded him as bishop.

Bishop Etuale is the first local priest to be chosen bishop for the Catholic Church in American Samoa. He was ordained a priest in American Samoa, on May 29, 2003. He is 49 years old.