«The life of Peter To Rot is an example of good seed, a firm rock, a commitment of faith and courage, especially during times of war and Japanese occupation. Courage is the strength of the mind, enlightened and supported by the grace of God, capable of overcoming any challenge life presents us. Peter To Rot showed us the way»: said Father Joseph Liaia, CP, during the mass celebrated in St. Joseph Parish in Boroko, commenting on the parable of the seed, present in Matthew’s Gospel, applying it to Peter ToRot (1912-1945), catechist, family man, and martyr, first blessed Papuan.
The celebrations for the 25th anniversary of the beatification of Peter To Rot presided over by Pope John Paul II in 1995, and for the 75 years of his martyrdom, which occurred in 1945, continue in Boroko, reported Fides News Agency.
The Church of Papua New Guinea is seeking new impetus starting from the testimony of the groom and man of faith of Blessed To Rot, who encourages couples and all families, said the priest, «to live marital relationships and commitments to God, allowing good seeds to grow with sweetness, patience, respect, and trust in the Lord always, and especially during times of difficulty and uncertainty».
«In every place, there is a need for a saint, a hero, a model of faith and Papua New Guinea has certainly found it in Blessed Peter To Rot», added Father John Curtis, CP, parish priest of St Joseph.
Alfred Nakue, president of the Foundation of Blessed Peter To Rot, highlighted the exemplary nature of the blessed to strengthen relationships and help those in difficulty find the courage to build and live an authentically Christian life. This was echoed by Fidelis Aran, president of the parish liturgy committee, who expressed the general feeling of joy for these celebrations which recognize July as the month of Blessed Peter ToRot. «He was an apostle who responded to the call of Jesus, for the faithful of Papua New Guinea and the whole world as a lay missionary. To Rot was a seed and sower of the Catholic Christian faith in this land and is today an example of faith for the universal Church for the whole world».
