On October 19, the Church joyfully celebrates the canonisation of Blessed Peter To Rot, the first saint of Papua New Guinea. Born in 1912 in Rakunai, Peter was grounded in the Catholic faith and faithfully served as a lay catechist, courageously continuing his pastoral mission even after missionaries were imprisoned by Japanese forces during the Second World War. He is remembered for his steadfast defence of the sanctity of marriage and family, standing firm in the Church’s teaching amid political and cultural pressures. Beatified by St John Paul II during his visit to Papua New Guinea in 1995, Blessed Peter To Rot’s life remains a powerful witness of faith, fidelity and pastoral zeal.
Transcript
Hi, my name is Stella and I serve the Papua New Guinea Brisbane Gold Coast Catholic Community as its President. I’m here today to pray for Blessed Peter To Rot as we celebrate his canonisation. Blessed Peter To Rot was a humble catechist from Rakunai in East New Britain, Papua New Guinea, who was martyred by invading forces during World War II for his refusal to abandon his faith. We revere him as a wonderful role model for fathers and families especially during these challenging times where family cohesion and peace have become scarce in our communities. Of significance too is that this year Papua New Guinea celebrates its Fiftieth Anniversary of Independence coinciding with Blessed Peter To Rot’s elevation to sainthood. Not only will Rome be celebrating this wonderful occasion of Blessed Peter’s canonisation, but also our Pauline Fathers will be celebrating the day at our shrine dedicated to Blessed Peter To Rot in Marian Valley, Witheren. Please now join me in prayer.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.
Heavenly Father, You are the source of all holiness and the reward of those who remain faithful unto death. We thank You for the life, witness and martyrdom of Blessed Peter To Rot, a devoted husband, father, catechist, and a fearless defender of the Catholic faith. In a time of persecution and darkness, Peter To Rot stood firm in truth, refusing to betray the sanctity of Christian marriage, and offering his life rather than denying You. His courage, humility, and unwavering love shine as a beacon for Your Church and for all Your people. Lord, through his example, may we too live lives of faithfulness, integrity and sacrificial love. May his witness inspire catechists, families, and all lay faithful to embrace their vocation with courage and joy. As the Church prepares to declare him amongst the saints, we ask You, Father, through the intercession of Blessed Peter To Rot, to pour out Your grace upon us, especially the grace to live with courage, faithfulness and love in our daily lives. If it is Your will, may he soon be raised to the glory of the altars, so that the light of his life may shine more brightly throughout the world. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. Blessed Peter To Rot, faithful witness and martyr, pray for us.
Thank you for praying with us today, we hope to see you soon.