Blessed Peter ToRot to Be Canonized: CBCPNGSI Announces Details of the Celebration

The Catholic Bishops Conference of Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands held a press conference to provide an update on the upcoming canonization of Blessed Peter ToRot, which will take place on Sunday, 19 October 2025, at St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican City.

Present at the press conference were His Eminence Sir John Cardinal Ribat, MSC, Archbishop of Port Moresby, Bp. Otto Separy, President of CBCPNGSI, Bp. Rozario Menezes, SMM, Vice President of CBCPNGSI and Fr Lawrence Arockiaraj, General Secretary of CBCPNGSI.

From left to RIght: Fr Lawrence Arockiaraj, General Secretary of CBCPNGSI, His Eminence Sir John Cardinal Ribat MSC, Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Port Moresby, Bp. Rozario Menezes SMM, Vice President of CBCPNGSI/Bishop of Lae Diocese and Bp. Otto Separy, President of CBCPNGSI/Bishop of Bereina Diocese.

His eminence Sir John Cardinal Ribat, MSC, highlighted that Blessed Peter ToRot, a lay catechist who died for his faith, will be declared a saint of the universal Church. He described the canonization as a profound milestone for Papua New Guinea, the Pacific region, and the world. He said, “It reveals the maturity of our Christian faith and affirms the universality of the Catholic Church. The life of Blessed Peter To Rot reminds us that holiness is not reserved for the extraordinary, it can be lived each day in our families, workplaces, and communities.”

Fr Lawrence Arockiaraj looking on as His Eminence Sir John Cardinal Ribat MSC address the media.

Bp. Rozario Menezes, SMM, emphasized Blessed Peter ToRot’s witness to Christian marriage and family life. He said, “Our way of life today has caused the family unit to weaken, but the life of Blessed Peter ToRot inspires us to honor the sacred bond between one husband and one wife. His official portrait, showing two rings in his palms, powerfully symbolizes the protection of the sanctity of marriage.”

He also called on the media to share the inspiring story of Blessed Peter ToRot, noting that the canonization is more than a Church event, it is a national celebration that will draw the world’s attention to Papua New Guinea and the story of Blessed Peter will serve as an example for the family units in the country and the world.

Bp. Rozario Menezes SMM, addressing the media and the attendees.

Bp. Otto Separy described the canonization as a significant milestone for both Papua New Guinea and the universal Church. He said, “In today’s world, many external influences challenge our Catholic and Christian faith. Blessed Peter ToRot is an example for us all, he never compromised his faith, even in the face of persecution therefore as Christians let us live our Christian values.

Bp. Otto Separy, giving his insight during the Press Conference.

Fr. Lawrence Arockiaraj, General Secretary of CBCPNGSI, presented the canonization program in Rome and the associated national celebrations. A delegation of approximately 17 bishops, including Fr. Lawrence Arockiaraj and Fr. Tomas Ravaioli, IVE, will travel to Rome, along with additional pilgrims from Papua New Guinea and other countries.

Alongside the official ceremony at St. Peter’s Basilica, national celebrations will be held in dioceses across Papua New Guinea, particularly in the Archdiocese of Rabaul, where Blessed Peter ToRot came from. Fr. Lawrence Arockiaraj said, “The special national celebration will take place from 11–14 December 2025, with daily Masses celebrated by bishops and clergy, including His Excellency Most Rev. Maurizio Bravi, Apostolic Nuncio to PNG and Solomon Islands, His Eminence Sir John Cardinal Ribat, MSC. and Abp. Rochus Tatamai MSC of the Archbishop of Rabaul Archdiocese. In addition, the His eminence Sir John Cardinal Ribat MSC announced that the Archdiocese of Port Moresby will also hold a thanksgiving mass on October 26, 2025, celebrating the canonization of Blessed Peter To Rot.

Fr Lawrence Arockiaraj presenting the official program of the Canonization in Rome and local celebration in the Archdiocese of Rabaul.

The Catholic Bishops Conference of Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands invites all the faithful to join in prayer and thanksgiving as the Church prepares to celebrate Saint Peter ToRot, Papua New Guinea’s first saint.