By Sr Christine Masivo, CPS
Archbishop Rochus Tatamai, Archbishop of Rabaul, told Vatican News that “Peter To Rot’s story is not just my family’s story; it belongs to the whole of Papua New Guinea. He stood firm in faith at a time when our people were under immense pressure. His witness, simple but profound, he refused to abandon God, his family, or his community and continues to inspire us.”
Rekindling of the faith
In a separate interview with Vatican News, Fr Tomas Ravaioli, IVE, vice-postulator of the Cause of Canonization, attested that “people are excited with the canonization of Peter To Rot not only an exterior preparation, but an interior one. Everybody is praying through his intercession, and at the end of the Mass, many people come for confession. His canonization has brought renewal in the Church of Papua New Guinea.”
“Our Melanesian brother showed that holiness is possible in ordinary family life. He lived the Gospel as a lay person, and that makes his example accessible to the majority of our people.”
“Rakunai is where he grew up and was formed, a place forms you to be who you are, because of the context of the surroundings and the faith formation,” according to Sr Daisy Lisania, MSC, Secretary of the SOCOM social communication of the Catholic Bishops’s Conference of Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands, who visited Rakunai Village, where Peter To Rot was born. She adds, “in the Shrine of Blessed Peter To Rot lie his remains, well kept in a wooden box. The atmosphere is quiet and peaceful, and there are children who visit the sacred place from the nearby school during their break to pray always.”
Peter To Rot’s father was the head of the community, one of the first to be baptized in his village, and he donated the land for the construction of the church, the school, and the mission house.
His generosity and witness of faith had an impact on his people, leading to a radical transformation, replacing constant fighting, and witchcraft with a more cohesive, peaceful society whose life began to revolve around the school, the medical clinic, and the Church. What is still called “the mission” today.
Catechists model
Archbishop Tatamai echoes these sentiments. “To Rot’s legacy is visible in the life of the Church in Rakunai and across the nation. Pilgrims visit his grave, families gather for prayer inspired by his witness, and catechists see in him the model of their vocation.”
He quietly but courageously continued to teach catechism, organize prayer, and defend the dignity of marriage, which led to his martyrdom through execution by Japanese soldiers in 1945 during World War II.
“He was not a priest, or a bishop,” Archbishop Tatamai articulates. “He was a layman, a father, a husband. That is why his life resonates so deeply. People see in him the possibility of holiness in everyday life.”
Fr Ravaioli reiterates Pope Francis’ words, “this is the saint the Church needs in these times.” Peter To Rots’ life bridges local culture and universal faith as a catechist.
Peter To Rot’s faith was closely linked to his sincere friendship with the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart. This relationship was based on missionary work that today is described as a “shared mission.” It was a collaborative effort between religious men and women and the laity of Christian communities.
To Rot’s canonization
“The event of canonization will be far more than a Church celebration,” Archbishop Tatamai said. “It will be a blessing for the whole country, reminding us that society itself depends on the strength of families, it’s a gift to our country as a national revolutionary that calls us to holiness that begins in the family and extends to the whole society.”
“He was known for humility, service to the poor, devotion to prayer, and respect for elders. He challenges every one of us to live lives of service and generosity, To Rot’s story offers practical guidance,” he explained.
His canonization is a symbol of hope and resilience for Papua New Guinea.
To Rot is a guide
The Archbishop sees this national inspiration as a mission for the present generation.
“Blessed Peter To Rot is not a hero of the past,” he insists. “He is a guide for today. His courage calls us to integrity in leadership, honesty in society, and responsibility in family life. When our people look to him, they see what it means to live faith authentically in Papua New Guinea.”
He highlights his relevance for the youth. “Young people need role models who are close to their reality. Peter To Rot shows them that holiness is not distant. It can be lived in family, in school and daily struggles. That is why his story continues to inspire new generations.”
The portrait
Fr Tomas Ravaioli commented, “Some people don’t know the face of Peter To Rot, there is only one photograph, and it is not widely known. For the canonization, we wanted a new portrait of him. I commissioned the Spanish artist Raúl Berzosa; I love his art because it invites me to pray. He has this gift that his artworks are a way to unite yourself with God.”
In this portrait, he has the Holy Bible in his right hand, his wedding rings in his left, and on his neck, the catechist’s cross. The three symbols mark the new official portrait of Peter To Rot.
The wedding rings symbolize his commitment to protecting Catholic marriage, defending the sacramental union between man and woman.
The Bible he holds emphasizes To Rot’s devotion to the Word of God, nourished daily by Sacred Scripture and the Eucharist; he drew strength from these sources to face persecution.
The catechist’s cross, on his neck and is placed in the center of his chest, is the symbol of his unwavering faith. This image will be hung on the façade of St Peter’s Basilica on the day of the canonization. – Vatican News
