Saint Peter To Rot
A married catechist in Papua New Guinea who kept the faith under Japanese occupation
- Rank
- Saint
- Kind
- Martyr, Layperson
- Life
- 1912 – 1945
- Era
- 20th century
- Feast
- 7 July
- Countries
- Papua New Guinea
Life story
Peter To Rot was born on 5 March 1912 in New Pomerania, then German New Guinea (now Papua New Guinea). After studying at a school run by the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart, he was commissioned catechist in 1933 and served the Rakunai parish. In 1936 he married Paula Ia Varpit.
After Japanese forces occupied the region in 1942, priests were forced to leave and he took charge of the parish. When worship was restricted, he held secret services and built a bush church. He also publicly opposed the authorities' support for polygamy.
He was arrested at Christmas 1944 after religious objects were found in his home. He was imprisoned and killed in July 1945, usually given as 7 July. Accounts say he was given a lethal injection, and when the poison acted slowly the guards finished the killing.
Pope John Paul II beatified him on 17 January 1995 at Port Moresby, and Pope Leo XIV canonised him on 19 October 2025 in St Peter's Square. He is the first saint of Papua New Guinea.
Works and witness
- Commissioned catechist in 1933 and served Rakunai parish
- Married in 1936 and raised a family
- Led secret prayer when worship was banned
- Arrested late 1944 and killed about 7 July 1945
- Beatified in 1995 and canonised on 19 October 2025
Patron of
Catechists, Married couples, Rakunai
References
- Decrees of the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints on Peter To Rot (martyrdom 1993, canonisation 2025)
- Holy See Press Office, canonisation Mass of 19 October 2025
- Martyrologium Romanum (7 July)
Written by Anawim from documented history. Some details about ancient saints rest on tradition and are marked as such.