About 3,000 people are expected to attend the ordination of New Zealand priest Father Peter Brown as the new Bishop Diocese of Samoa Pago Pago.
The mass of consecration will be held this morning at the Holy Family Cathedral Fatuoaiga with many bishops from Oceania attending.
A large delegation from the Samoan Catholic Community South Auckland, where Father Brown served, have arrived.
Overseas dignitaries include Samoa's Head of State Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese, and Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele. Malielegaoi.
About 20 members of Father Brown's family from NZ have also travelled to the territory.
Father Brown was appointed by Pope Francis to replace the first bishop of the local Diocese, Chicago native and Harvard educated Bishop John Quinn Weitzel who has been in office since 1986.
The 85 year-old bishop retired ten years ago but agreed to continue serving until a successor was named.
Father Brown is fluent in the Samoan language having served at Safotu in Samoa and serving as pastor of the Samoan Catholic communities in south Auckland.
