Blessed Peter To Rot: Papua New Guinea's first saint - Let's Pray with Stella Miria-Robinson

October 14, 2025 00:03:18
Blessed Peter To Rot: Papua New Guinea's first saint - Let's Pray with Stella Miria-Robinson
Archdiocese of Brisbane
Blessed Peter To Rot: Papua New Guinea's first saint - Let's Pray with Stella Miria-Robinson

Oct 14 2025 | 00:03:18

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Show Notes

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.

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Episode Transcript

1 00:00:00,400 --> 00:00:02,280 Hi, my name is Stella 2 00:00:02,280 --> 00:00:06,280 and I serve the Papua New Guinea Brisbane Gold Coast Catholic Community 3 00:00:06,280 --> 00:00:07,600 as its President. 4 00:00:08,000 --> 00:00:11,320 I'm here today to pray for Blessed Peter To Rot 5 00:00:11,320 --> 00:00:13,920 as we celebrate his canonisation. 6 00:00:14,400 --> 00:00:18,160 Blessed Peter To Rot was a humble catechist from Rakunai 7 00:00:18,160 --> 00:00:20,800 in East New Britain, Papua New Guinea, 8 00:00:20,800 --> 00:00:24,680 who was martyred by invading forces during World War II 9 00:00:24,680 --> 00:00:27,760 for his refusal to abandon his faith. 10 00:00:28,040 --> 00:00:31,280 We revere him as a wonderful role model 11 00:00:31,280 --> 00:00:33,440 for fathers and families 12 00:00:33,440 --> 00:00:36,320 especially during these challenging times 13 00:00:36,320 --> 00:00:39,240 where family cohesion and peace 14 00:00:39,240 --> 00:00:42,160 have become scarce in our communities. 15 00:00:42,520 --> 00:00:45,800 Of significance too is that this year 16 00:00:45,800 --> 00:00:50,640 Papua New Guinea celebrates its Fiftieth Anniversary of Independence 17 00:00:50,640 --> 00:00:55,960 coinciding with Blessed Peter To Rot’s elevation to sainthood. 18 00:00:56,360 --> 00:01:00,720 Not only will Rome be celebrating this wonderful occasion 19 00:01:00,720 --> 00:01:03,440 of Blessed Peter’s canonisation, 20 00:01:03,440 --> 00:01:06,000 but also our Pauline Fathers 21 00:01:06,000 --> 00:01:08,920 will be celebrating the day at our shrine 22 00:01:08,920 --> 00:01:11,560 dedicated to Blessed Peter To Rot 23 00:01:11,560 --> 00:01:14,160 in Marian Valley, Witheren. 24 00:01:14,840 --> 00:01:17,760 Please now join me in prayer. 25 00:01:18,360 --> 00:01:24,280 In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, Amen. 26 00:01:24,720 --> 00:01:26,080 Heavenly Father, 27 00:01:26,080 --> 00:01:28,960 You are the source of all holiness 28 00:01:28,960 --> 00:01:33,080 and the reward of those who remain faithful unto death. 29 00:01:33,080 --> 00:01:34,920 We thank You for the life, 30 00:01:34,920 --> 00:01:38,560 witness and martyrdom of Blessed Peter To Rot, 31 00:01:38,560 --> 00:01:42,280 a devoted husband, father, catechist, 32 00:01:42,280 --> 00:01:46,120 and a fearless defender of the Catholic faith. 33 00:01:46,120 --> 00:01:48,800 In a time of persecution and darkness, 34 00:01:48,800 --> 00:01:51,520 Peter To Rot stood firm in truth, 35 00:01:51,520 --> 00:01:53,600 refusing to betray 36 00:01:53,600 --> 00:01:56,120 the sanctity of Christian marriage, 37 00:01:56,120 --> 00:01:57,520 and offering his life 38 00:01:57,520 --> 00:02:00,480 rather than denying You. 39 00:02:00,480 --> 00:02:02,560 His courage, humility, 40 00:02:02,560 --> 00:02:04,720 and unwavering love shine 41 00:02:04,720 --> 00:02:09,160 as a beacon for Your Church and for all Your people. 42 00:02:09,160 --> 00:02:11,480 Lord, through his example, 43 00:02:11,480 --> 00:02:15,360 may we too live lives of faithfulness, 44 00:02:15,360 --> 00:02:18,440 integrity and sacrificial love. 45 00:02:18,440 --> 00:02:21,040 May his witness inspire 46 00:02:21,040 --> 00:02:23,720 catechists, families, and all lay faithful 47 00:02:23,720 --> 00:02:25,640 to embrace their vocation 48 00:02:25,640 --> 00:02:27,600 with courage and joy. 49 00:02:27,600 --> 00:02:31,080 As the Church prepares to declare him amongst the saints, 50 00:02:31,080 --> 00:02:32,560 we ask You, Father, 51 00:02:32,560 --> 00:02:35,520 through the intercession of Blessed Peter To Rot, 52 00:02:35,520 --> 00:02:38,200 to pour out Your grace upon us, 53 00:02:38,200 --> 00:02:41,240 especially the grace to live with courage, 54 00:02:41,240 --> 00:02:44,960 faithfulness and love in our daily lives. 55 00:02:44,960 --> 00:02:46,640 If it is Your will, 56 00:02:46,640 --> 00:02:50,160 may he soon be raised to the glory of the altars, 57 00:02:50,160 --> 00:02:54,080 so that the light of his life may shine more brightly 58 00:02:54,080 --> 00:02:55,520 throughout the world. 59 00:02:55,520 --> 00:02:58,520 We ask this through Christ our Lord. 60 00:02:58,520 --> 00:03:00,080 Amen. 61 00:03:00,080 --> 00:03:01,680 Blessed Peter To Rot, 62 00:03:01,680 --> 00:03:04,000 faithful witness and martyr, 63 00:03:04,000 --> 00:03:05,240 pray for us. 64 00:03:05,800 --> 00:03:08,680 Thank you for praying with us today, 65 00:03:08,680 --> 00:03:11,120 we hope to see you soon.

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