ABOUT US
Welcome to our "About Us" page where you will find general information about our diocese and our history. You will also find here more information about our Bishop, Kolio Tumanuvao Etuale.
OUR MISSION
O le Puleaga Fa'amisionare o Samoa-Pago Pago o se aiga e mana'o e ola i le Talalelei ma galulue fa'atasi ona totino uma mo atina'e o le nu'u atoa o le Atua.
The Missionary Diocese of Samoa-Pago Pago is a family that wants to live the Good News and work together for the integral development of the People of God.
OUR BISHOP
Learn More about the Bishop of this Diocese below.
Bishop Kolio T. Etuale
Third Bishop of the Diocese of Samoa - Pago Pago
Kolio Tumanuvao Etuale serves as the third bishop for the Diocese of Samoa–Pago Pago since 2023. He graduated from Mount Angel Seminary in Oregon in XXXX with his Bachelor's of Art in Philosophy and then later completed his Seminary Education when he graduated from the same school in XXXX with a Masters of Divinity. Bishop Kolio Served as a Pastor in various parishes, the Vocation's Director of the diocese, and most recently until his consecration as bishop was the Chancellor of the Diocese of Samoa Pago Pago. After he was ordained the Coadjutor Bishop in 2023, he achieved a Doctorate Degree in Ministry
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Consultors Board
Most Rev. Kolio Tumanuvao Etuale
Bishop
Very Rev. Monsignor Viane Etuale
Vicar General
Rev. Pio Afu
Chancellor
Rev. Fr. Kelemete Puaauli
Rev. Fr. Ioane Anetelea
Development Council
Fai'ivae Iuli Godinet
President
Fagaima Larry Sanitoa
Vice President
Luaipou Tasileta Ioane
Treasurer/Secretary
Pastoral Council
Most Rev. Kolio Tumanuvao Etuale
President
Very Rev. Monsignor Viane Etuale
Chairperson
Fanene Milton Taufa'asau
Co-Chairperson
Katrina Pele
Secratary
Development Council
Fai'ivae Iuli Godinet
President
Fagaima Larry Sanitoa
Vice President
Luaipou Tasileta Ioane
Treasurer/Secretary
The History of our Diocese
The Catholic Church in American Samoa traces its roots to the missionary work of the Marist Fathers, who brought the Gospel to the Samoan Islands in the nineteenth century. For many years, American Samoa was part of the Diocese of Samoa and Tokelau, serving alongside the Catholic communities of Western Samoa. As the Church continued to grow, Pope Saint John Paul II established the Diocese of Samoa–Pago Pago on September 10, 1982, creating a distinct local Church for the people of American Samoa. The new diocese, centered at the Cathedral of the Holy Family in Tafuna and the Co-Cathedral of Saint Joseph the Worker in Fagatogo, marked a significant milestone in the history of Catholicism in the territory and reflected the vibrant faith of its people.
A key figure in the formation of the diocese was Cardinal Pio Taofinu'u, the first Polynesian cardinal and one of the most influential Church leaders in Oceania. Following the creation of the Diocese of Samoa–Pago Pago, Cardinal Pio served as its Apostolic Administrator from 1982 to 1986, guiding the newly established diocese during its formative years and helping lay the foundations for its future growth. His leadership provided continuity between the former unified Samoan diocese and the new local Church in American Samoa, leaving a legacy that continues to inspire the faithful today. Since then, the diocese has been shepherded by dedicated bishops and clergy who have continued the mission of evangelization, education, and service throughout the islands.
Bishop John Quinn Weitzel at his funeral in New York
Bishop John Quinn Weitzel, 1st Bishop of Samoa-Pago Pago
Bishop John Quinn Weitzel at his funeral in New York
