As news came during the life of Pope Francis during his visit to Papua New Guinea that they would get their first saint, Peter To Rot, what would that mean to those who had never heard of such a person? So many years ago the cause for sainthood was put forward about this unknown catechist who, due to the invasion of the Japanese during the Second World War, was imprisoned, tortured and murdered at the age of 33 because of his passion for the faith and work as a dedicated voice of the Church in Melanesia.
So many local catechists in this part of the world give their lives today to work on behalf of the Church and, in most cases, are never given credit for the hours of trekking into the bush, to reach remote villages, crossing rivers, climbing mountains trying to keep the faith alive among an ever changing society in these parts of the world, especially throughout Melanesia.
As a former RNDM missionary in Papua New Guinea, this special day, October 19, 2025, marked now by Pope Leo XVI for the Canonisation of Peter To Rot, will mean everything we worked for – to see this ministry recognised as life giving for these people. Sainthood within the Church is a great tool to reaffirm that what went on many years ago still has a meaning today: I quote from an article written in the Post Courier, April 7, 1993:
Martyrs teach us, that ordinary faithful life is never wasted, that ultimately the only adequate response to the evil we see around us is a life well led. It is the only ground for optimism we have. This was signed by many church leaders to recognise the martyrdom of 333 missionaries during this war invasion.
In today’s world, celebrity is based on personal fame with the help of social media but only within a time frame until the next one comes along – but this event to raise Peter To Rot to sainthood is for all time. The people of PNG from one generation to the next will always recognise that one of their own dedicated catechists in the remote area of East New Britain will always be for them a “Martyr for the Faith” – recognised by the Church and by the world.
Thank you so much Rose Mary, I’m always interested to hear about new saints. Peter To Rot is now on my list to read about! =)
It is good to know that this modern saint is now recognized. Thanks for bringing this to our attention.
Thanks for this, Rose Mary. Certainly wonderful news for the faith community of PNG and the church. Thank you too for your many, many years of faithful service there!
What a moving testament to this man! I am also thinking as I read it about the sisters who worked with the catechists in Peru which is how I came to know, from personal experience, the dedication and faith of these very special, ordinary, people and their inspiring faith. So excited for the people of PNG!
Thank you, Rose Mary, for shining a light on the heroic dedication of Peter To Rot and, by association, all who have worked and continue to work “to keep the faith alive” in the Church in Melanesia, as you yourself did for many years. I will be keeping the significance of October 19 in mind this year!