Oceania will have a new saint, and Papua New Guinea its first, with Pope Francis last night approving the canonisation of martyred lay catechist Blessed Peter To Rot. Source: Asia News.
The Vatican Press Office announced last night that the Pope approved the causes of Blessed Peter To Rot, a married father of three children who was killed in 1945 by the Japanese occupation forces, and that of another martyr, Armenian Catholic Bishop Ignatius Shoukrallah Maloyan, killed in 1915 during the Armenian genocide.
Francis also approved the promulgation of three other decrees, including one recognising the miracle attributed to the Venezuelan Blessed Mary of Mount Carmel (1903-1977), foundress of the Congregation of the Servants of Jesus.
Federation of Catholic Bishops Conferences of Oceania president Bishop Anthony Randazzo welcomed the news of Papua New Guinea’s first saint.
“It is with great joy and gratitude that we welcome the announcement from the Vatican regarding the canonisation of Blessed Peter To Rot, a faithful lay catechist, who gave his life as a powerful witness to Jesus Christ,” Bishop Randazzo said.
“Born in 1912 in Rakunai, Papua New Guinea, Blessed Peter’s dedication to preaching the Gospel, teaching the faith, and upholding the sanctity of the sacrament of matrimony stands as a shining example of courage and fidelity.
“In a time of great suffering and persecution, he resisted efforts to impose polygamy on his people, remaining steadfast in his love for God and commitment to the truth. His courageous witness to the faith, even in the face of death, earned him the crown of martyrdom, and his example continues to inspire all who seek to live a life of faithfulness to Christ.”
Bishop Randazzo, who is also the Bishop of Broken Bay, said the impending canonisation was a “powerful affirmation of the Church’s deep-rooted faith in the region and a testament to the strength and vitality of the Christian community in Oceania”.
“This is a wonderful occasion not only for Papua New Guinea but for all Christian people in Oceania, as we celebrate the life and witness of a true martyr who exemplified the call to live with courage, love, and faith in Christ.”
FULL STORY
Peter To Rot, the first saint of Papua New Guinea (Asia News)
Statement from Bishop Anthony Randazzo on the canonisation of Blessed Peter To Rot (FCBCO)
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Pope clears path for canonisation of PNG Blessed Peter To Rot (Vatican News)
