Pope Francis Sainthood Announcement for Late Preacher who Passed Away in Custody
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The Vatican recently announced Pope Francis’ decision to canonize the late Catholic preacher, Peter To Rot from Papua New Guinea. The pontiff authorised the canonization in a press release on Monday, March 31. Along with two others, Peter To Rot has been approved for sainthood, making him the first saint from Papua New Guinea.
Peter To Rot was born on March 5, 1912, and played a significant role in guiding couples towards marriage during the Japanese occupation of Papua New Guinea amidst World War II. Even when missionaries were imprisoned, Peter To Rot continued his pastoral work clandestinely, risking his life in the process. Known for his strong stand against polygamy and dedication to upholding the sanctity of marriage, Peter faced opposition even from his own brother, who reported him to the authorities.
Sentenced to two months in prison after his brother’s betrayal, Peter To Rot tragically died in prison in July 1945 due to poisoning. His beatification took place on January 17, 1995, in Port Moresby, the capital of Papua New Guinea. Beatification is an important step in the Roman Catholic Church towards the eventual sainthood of a candidate, acknowledging their holy life and virtues.
Tomas Ravaioli, an Argentinian missionary in Papua New Guinea, played a crucial role in securing the necessary documentation for Peter To Rot’s canonization. Given Pope Francis’ recent health concerns and hospitalization, the approval for Peter To Rot’s canonization came as a surprise to many. The Pontiff was discharged from the hospital on March 23 after a 38-day stay, making the announcement of Peter To Rot’s canonization unexpected but significant.
In addition to Peter To Rot, Pope Francis also approved the canonization of Blessed Ignatius Choukrallah Maloyan from Turkey and the first Venezuelan-born saint, Blessed Maria del Monte Carmelo. These recent canonizations follow the approval for Carlo Acutis, a teenager known as “God’s influencer,” who will be the first millennial to be made a saint posthumously.
The announcement of Peter To Rot’s canonization as the first saint from Papua New Guinea is a momentous occasion for the country and the global Catholic community. It serves as a testament to his unwavering faith, dedication to his pastoral duties, and steadfast commitment to upholding the values of marriage and family in challenging circumstances.
The canonization of individuals like Peter To Rot highlights the diverse backgrounds and experiences that contribute to the rich tapestry of saints in the Catholic Church. The recognition of his sacrifice and martyrdom serves as an inspiration for believers around the world, encouraging them to uphold their faith in the face of adversity and persecution.
As the Church prepares to officially recognize Peter To Rot as a saint, his legacy of courage, conviction, and selfless service continues to resonate with generations of faithful followers. The journey towards sainthood is a rigorous process that involves meticulous documentation of miracles and a rigorous investigation of the candidate’s life, virtues, and impact on the community.
In celebrating the life and legacy of Peter To Rot, the Catholic Church honours his memory and sacrifice, elevating him to the status of a saint who will serve as a beacon of hope and inspiration for believers worldwide.
In conclusion, the canonization of Peter To Rot represents a significant milestone for the Catholic Church, Papua New Guinea, and the global community of believers. His story is a testament to the enduring power of faith, resilience, and unwavering commitment to one’s beliefs in the face of adversity and persecution.