Peter Brown (bishop)

Peter Hugh Brown, C.Ss.R. is a New Zealand-born prelate who served as the second bishop of the Diocese of Samoa-Pago Pago in American Samoa from 2013 until 2023.

Biography

Early life

Peter Brown was born on 8 November 1947, in Greymouth, New Zealand, the youngest child of William and Mary Brown. He attended Marist Brothers primary and secondary schools, then worked in secular jobs. On February 16, 1969, Brown professed his first vows as a member of the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer. After several years in seminary, he professed his perpetual vows to the Redemptorists on October 26, 1975.
For seven years Brown worked as a religious brother in different communities, then traveled to Samoa to help out at the Redemptorist mission there. He then studied for the priesthood at Yarra Theological Union in Melbourne, Australia.

Priesthood

Brown was ordained to the priesthood for the Redemptorists by Bishop Brian Ashby on December 19, 1981. He served as a missionary on Savaii Island, Safotu, then later as a chaplain for migrants in Auckland, New Zealand. Brown served as a parish priest in Clover Park, South Auckland, before being elected as the Redemptorist's regional superior. Brown is fluent in the Samoan language.

Bishop of Samoa-Pago Pago

Pope Francis named Brown the bishop of the Diocese of Samoa-Pago Pago on May 31, 2013. On August 22, 2013, Brown was installed and consecrated by Archbishop Martin Krebs The principal co-consecrators were Bishops John Weitzel and Denis Browne. On April 29, 2023, Pope Francis accepted his resignation and Kolio Etuale succeeded him as bishop.