On July 7, Catholics across Papua New Guinea celebrated the feast of Blessed Peter ToRot, a revered lay catechist and martyr who gave his life for his faith during the Second World War.
The feast holds deep spiritual and cultural significance for the people of Papua New Guinea, for whom ToRot is both a national hero and a powerful symbol of Christian witness.
Born in 1912 in Rakunai village on New Britain Island, Peter ToRot was raised in a devout Catholic family. His father, Angelo ToRot, was one of the first local chiefs to be baptized and helped introduce Christianity to their community through the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart.
From a young age, Peter displayed a deep love for the faith and a strong moral compass. Recognizing his potential, German missionary priests trained him as a lay catechist, and by 1933, he was formally appointed to serve the people of his village.
When World War II reached the Pacific and the Japanese occupied New Guinea in 1942, all foreign missionaries were imprisoned or expelled. Despite the dangers, Peter ToRot continued to lead prayers, baptize infants, prepare people for the sacraments, and promote Christian family life.
His unwavering refusal to compromise Catholic teachings—particularly his firm opposition to the Japanese-imposed policy of polygamy—brought him into direct conflict with the authorities.
In 1945, he was arrested and imprisoned by Japanese officials for continuing to minister to the faithful. During his imprisonment, he remained prayerful, encouraged fellow inmates, and clung to his trust in God.
On July 7, 1945, Peter ToRot was martyred by lethal injection, administered in secret. Witnesses testified to his calm acceptance of death, and hisfinal words were: "I am going to die for my people and for the Lord." He was just 33 years old.
In recognition of his heroic virtue and martyrdom, Pope John Paul II beatified Peter ToRot on January 17, 1995, during his historic visit to Papua New Guinea.
The beatification Mass in Port Moresby, attended by thousands, marked the first time a Papua New Guinean was declared "Blessed" by the Church. In his homily, Pope John Paul II described ToRot as “a true example of Christian courage and fidelity.”
This year’s feast was marked by Masses, processions, youth rallies, and reflections on ToRot’s life and legacy in parishes and dioceses across the country.
Many Catholic schools and communities dedicated the day to prayer, acts of service, and the promotion of family values—key themes in Blessed Peter’s ministry.
As the Church prepares for his canonization on October 19, 2025, the life of Blessed Peter ToRot remains an enduring light for Christians facing persecution especially those standing for truth, justice, and the sanctity of marriage.
His feast reminds Papua New Guineans and all believers of the profound impact a humble, faithful layperson can have in witnessing to Christ even unto death.
Blessed Peter ToRot will become the first indigenous saint of Oceania.
Radio Veritas Asia (RVA), a media platform of the Catholic Church, aims to share Christ. RVA started in 1969 as a continental Catholic radio station to serve Asian countries in their respective local language, thus earning the tag “the Voice of Asian Christianity.” Responding to the emerging context, RVA embraced media platforms to connect with the global Asian audience via its 21 language websites and various social media platforms.
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