Peter Loy Chong was born on 30th January 1961 at Namata, Tailevu – the sixth child of Chung Lung and Kacaraini Vakalevulevu. He received his primary education at Natovi Catholic Mission (1967-1973) and then his secondary education at St John,s College Cawaci in Ovalau (1974-77).

After completing Form 6 he was asked by his family to work for their business at Korovou, Tailevu (where in fact he was closely associated with the family of Fr Jieri Vesi sm). He worked with the family from 1975 to 1983 and during that time successfully completed a course on Elementary Bookkeeping through the International Correspondence School.

In 1984 he entered Pacific Regional Seminary as a candidate for the Archdiocese of Suva. He finished his studies for the priesthood in 1990, graduating with a Bachelor of Divinity (Honours). Within a few months he was ordained deacon (on 4th May 1991 at Sacred Heart Cathedral) and priest on 11th January 1992 (in the parish of Natovi, Tailevu))

After his ordination, he served in the parishes of Lautoka, Vatukoula and Solevu before taking up further studies in theology at the Jesuit School of Theology in Berkeley (now part of Santa Clara University). He passed his doctorate exams (for Doctorate in Theology) and defended his thesis in September  2012, being awarded the degree Magna cum Laude. He graduated formally at the Commencement held in Zaytuna College, Berkeley, California on May 24th, 2013.

He returned to Fiji in December 2012 expecting to take up an appointment as lecturer in Pacific Regional Seminary, but his appointment as Archbishop-Elect of Suva took place almost immediately (19/12/12). Graciously and generously he accepted to teach one course at Pacific Regional Seminary during his first term of 2013.

Archbishop-Elect Chong is the sixth graduate of Pacific Regional Seminary to be elevated to the episcopacy. Bishop Amando Samo (Carolines), Archbishop Alapati Mata Eliga (Samoa-Apia), Bishop Michel Visi RIP (Vanuatu) Bishop Soane Patita Mafi (Tonga) and Bishop John Bosco Baremes sm (Vanuatu) preceded him. (Bishop Soane Mafi and Archbishop-Elect both graduated in the same year, 1990.)

Pacific Regional Seminary . (2012). Archbishop-Elect Peter Loy Chong. Available from: http://www.prsfiji.com/NewsJuneImp13.html. [Accessed: 19/9/2017].