A Saint for Oceania: Honouring the Faith and Courage of Peter To Rot

Pope Francis has recently approved the canonisation of the martyred lay catechist, Saint Peter To Rot—giving Oceania a new saint and Papua New Guinea its very first.

This historic milestone has brought deep joy across the region, especially among the faithful in Papua New Guinea and within our Lasallian family. We now celebrate the life of a man who lived with quiet strength, profound faith, and unwavering commitment to God’s people.

Reflecting on the moment, Br Thomas Yapo FSC, a De La Salle Brother from Papua New Guinea, shared:

“Pope Francis’ acceptance of Blessed Peter To Rot to become a saint is a wonderful gift to the Catholic Church in PNG and as a country. This is a timely blessing for PNG as we are about to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of our Independence in 1975.”

Born in 1912 in Rakunai, near Rabaul in New Britain, Peter To Rot grew up in a devout Catholic family. Known early on for his calm demeanour and natural leadership, he served as an altar server, assisted in parish life, and pursued studies with quiet determination. While his father once hoped for a priest in the family, Peter instead became a catechist—teaching, visiting the sick, and leading community prayer.

When the Japanese occupied parts of Papua New Guinea during the Second World War, Peter was thrust into greater responsibility after missionaries were imprisoned. He courageously resisted pressures to accept polygamy, encouraging others to remain faithful to the sanctity of marriage and Gospel values. Arrested under false charges, he continued to minister from prison, telling those close to him he was ready to die for his faith. In 1945, he was martyred for refusing to compromise the teachings of the Church.

“We are challenged and invited to emulate his life, example and self-sacrifice,” Br Thomas shared, “and be prepared to give up something of ourselves for the greater good and to uphold the Gospel values.”

Peter’s courage continues to speak powerfully to the people of Papua New Guinea. His steadfastness has become a symbol of moral clarity and hope—not only in the Church, but across all areas of public life. “The news of him soon to be saint gives the Church in PNG hope,” said Br Thomas, “at the same time it invites us to reflect on where our focus is as we continue to evangelise in and through synodality. It challenges the government of the day and future leaders to reflect on where their focus is in serving the people through basic services and progressively improve the lives of the people through good governance and prudent management of finances.”

“This is a historical moment for all sectors to reflect on our individual and communal impact on our country,” he added. “Blessed Peter To Rot has set an example for all of us to do things the right way and be truly human to one another. This means at times we are called to make small sacrifices for one another in whatever way we can to create positive rippling effects to improve this country after its 50th independence anniversary.”

In the Lasallian tradition—embedded in education, service, and a deep respect for the dignity of every person—Saint Peter To Rot’s life powerfully echoes our mission. Though not a teacher in the formal sense, he was an educator of the heart: nurturing faith, guiding families, and forming young people in Gospel values. His witness reminds us that being Lasallian is not only about what we do in classrooms, but how we serve and accompany others in faith and love.

“Lasallians have been part of PNG’s history,” Br Thomas reflected, “and they have been contributing to the growth and development of it. Many Lasallians like Blessed Peter To Rot gave up their lives in serving the vast majority through education. The canonisation news of Blessed Peter To Rot is a news of salvation and goodwill for many Lasallians and Catholics.”

As the region celebrates its first saint, the Church in Oceania honours a husband, father, and catechist who gave everything to uphold the Gospel. “The intercessions of our founder St John Baptist de La Salle and Blessed Peter To Rot will help and guide us to work diligently in our calling towards Teaching Minds, Touching Hearts and Transforming Lives of those entrusted to our care,” Br Thomas added. “One of us is not as strong as all of us. It is together and by association.”

For Papua New Guinea—and for all who share in the Lasallian commitment to faith, service, and building inclusive communities—this canonisation marks a profound and unifying moment. It invites us to reflect on our mission, our shared story, and our future together. “Lasallians in PNG this year are so blessed,” said Br Thomas, “with the 50th Independence Anniversary as a country, the news of Sainthood of Blessed Peter To Rot, and the Stocktake of our Mission in the country. They are wonderful moments for us to reflect and focus on what is ahead of us.”

In honouring Saint Peter To Rot, we are reminded:
“You give up a little of yourself to extend the greater good for humanity.”

Image Source: Vatican News