The American Samoa governor, Lolo Matalasi Moliga, has praised the retiring Catholic bishop, John Quinn Weitzel, as a New Zealand priest, Father Peter Brown, is named as his successor.
Lolo spoke to Catholics, members of the public and the Faasao Marist High School graduating class of 2013 to thank Bishop Quinn Weitzel for his many years of service to the Catholic Church and the people of American Samoa.
Bishop Quinn Weitzel said he was getting old and a younger bishop was needed.
He celebrated his 85th birthday this year and was presented the Distinguished Citizens Award from the American Samoa district council of the American Boy Scouts.
Lolo said Bishop Quinn Weitzel's legacy will be impossible to replicate.
"I would like to take this opportunity to extend to you, most Reverend Bishop Quinn Weitzel, the profound gratitude and the deep appreciation of the people of American Samoa for your many years of selfless services to our people."
The governor of American Samoa Lolo Matalasi Moliga.
