"While the Diocese of Pago Pago is small I am sure it will have its challenges. Hopefully I will be able to continue the vision and great service of Bishop Quinn Weitzel MM. Huge footsteps to follow," he said.

The Chicago born Weitzel who was ordained at the age of 27 after graduating from Harvard Business School, holds a Master's degree in religious education.

Since his consecration in 1986, the Catholic population of American Samoa has grown from 8,000 to 16,000 members (as of 2010), with 21 ordained priests and 31 deacons serving 18 Catholic parishes.

Brown said "On the 10 May to be confronted with: 'Pope Francis has appointed you as Bishop of Samoa -Pago Pago', you could imagine led to much immediate soul searching."

"One thousand reasons why this was not a good idea! Yet later, the point of decision rested on a commitment I made at my first profession many many years ago. That I would try to the best of my ability to follow any call that the Lord sent my way. This has led me to many places and tasks many of which were difficult. So I said what is different here?

"Also to work together with the priests, deacons, catechists and laity to continue to build up the Diocese as a unique part of God's Kingdom. I am lucky to be appointed by Pope Francis. The new pontiff's message is very clear. To respect all people as loved by God and part of His creation. I pray that I can make that the corner stone of my new appointment".

The bishop-elect has made several trips to American Samoa in the past and is expected to arrive this week for meetings with Bishop Quinn where plans for a change over and consecration date for Bishop Brown will take place.

Over the next several weeks, the clergy, laity, youth and the various organisations in the Diocese, as well as the government and community will say fa'afetai (thank you) and tofa (farewell) to Bishop Quinn in appropriate ceremonies.

Talanei reported that at the graduation for Faasao and Marist High School Saturday, when Bishop Quinn announced his retirement, Governor Lolo Moliga on behalf of the government and territory conveyed his thanks to Bishop Quinn for his dedicated service not just for the Catholc church but all of American Samoa.

"The loud applause that erupted from the packed Fatuoaiga Hall after the governor's remarks, will be repeated many times over as a grateful diocese and territory farewell a man they have long regarded as a spiritual father."

Source

• Talanei
• Talanei
• Image. CSsR.org.au

Bishop elect Brown is a member Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer (Redemptorists - C.Ss.R).

After being professed as a Redemptorist in 1979 Fr Peter's first appointment was to their newly established mission in Samoa. In the community with him were fellow Redemptorists Fr (later bishop) Patrick Hurley, and Fr. Brian Consedine.

After five years in Samoa Peter sought ordination to the priesthood and took up studies at the Yarra Theological Union, Melbourne, Australia. In 1981 he was ordained in Greymouth, New Zealand, by Bishop Brian Ashby, and graduated from YTU the following year.

He then returned to Samoa as parish priest of Our Lady of the Sea church in Safotu Savaii where he served till the Redemptorists reluctantly withdrew in 1987 because of limited numbers.

When Fr Peter returned to New Zealand from Samoa in 1987, Bishop Denis Browne appointed him chaplain to the 27 Samoan communities that were part of the wider Samoan Catholic Community spread across Auckland. He held that position for twelve years before being appointed parish priest of St. Peter Chanel in Clover Park, South Auckland.

For the period 2005-09 Fr. Peter was coordinator of the Redemptorist Region of Asia-Oceania during which time he participated in the restructuring of the worldwide Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer into five Conferences (regions). As that structure took shape he became the coordinator of the sub Conference of South East Asia - Oceania. At the time of his appointment as bishop he was a member of the Redemptorist's Asia-Oceania Council.

At the time of his appointment, Fr. Peter, 66, was serving as the Redemptorist leader in the Aotearoa New Zealand region, a role he has held for many years.

Bishop John Quinn Weitzel, the first Bishop of Samoa Pago Pago, announced that he is retiring at last Friday morning's mass at Fatuoaiga and at the same time made known Fr Peter's appointment as his replacement.

Bishop Quinn was ordained a Catholic priest in 1955 and in 1986 was ordained a Catholic bishop after being appointed by the late Pope John Paul II to head the Diocese of Samoa Pago Pago. Prior to moving to the territory, he served in Samoa as a Catholic priest.

Born in Chicago, Illinois, Bishop Quinn celebrated his 85h birthday on May 10th this year and it was the same day that he was presented the Distinguished Citizens Award from the Boy Scouts of America, Aloha Council of the American Samoa District.

Source

• CSSR.org.nz
• Samoa News
• Talanei.com
• Image: Talanei.com