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Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) - The Holy Father has appointed the Reverend Kolio Etuale, of the clergy of the diocese of Samoa-Pago Pago, American Samoa, until now chancellor and rector of the Holy Family Cathedral, Fatu-o-Aiga, as coadjutor bishop of the same diocese.
Bishop Kolio Etuale was born on 17 March 1973 in Lotofaga, Samoa. He received his education at Mount Angel Seminary, Oregon, United States of America, where he obtained a bachelor’s degree in philosophy and a Master of Divinity.
He was ordained a priest on 29 March 2003 for the diocese of Samoa-Pago Pago.
After priestly ordination, he held the following positions: chaplain of Marist High School in Fa'asao and rector of the Sacred Heart Cathedral (2003-2007). Since 2004, he has been instructor of the Formation Programme for Catechists; diocesan director of Vocational Ministry; parish priest of Saint Paul's parish in Iliili and administrator of Saint Joseph the Worker in Futiga (2007-2010) and member of the College of Consultors (2007-2013). Since 2007 he has served as chaplain at Saint Theresa Elementary School, and since 2008 he has attended courses at the Institute on Matrimonial Tribunal Practice at the Catholic University of America. Since 2009, he has served as judicial vicar and diocesan director for Youth Ministry (2010-2012); pastor of the Holy Cross parish in Leo, American Samoa (2010-2017); pastor of Saint Peter's parish, and administrator of Saint Joseph the Worker (2010-2021). From 2021 to date, he has served as chancellor of the diocese and rector of the Holy Family Cathedral, Fatu-o-Aiga. (SL) (Agenzia Fides, 30/8/2022)
