Blessed Peter ToRot: A true disciple of Christ and a true authentic model of Christian life
- Jessica Oata
- Jul 8
- 3 min read
Updated: Jul 8
Gordons, Port Moresby: It was a day of celebration and jubilant spirits as the staff of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands commemorated the feast of Blessed Peter ToRot and the 47th Independence anniversary of the Solomon Islands with a Solemn Eucharistic celebration.
His Excellency Most Reverend Maurizio Bravi, the Apostolic Nuncio to Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands presided as the main celebrant for the auspicious occasion. Joining him as concelebrants were His Lordship Bishop Otto Separy, President of CBC and Bishop of Bereina Diocese, His Lordship Bishop Paul Sundu, Bishop of Kundiawa Diocese, Monsignor Federico Boni, the Secretary of the Apostolic Nunciature and Most Reverend Fr Lawrence Arockiaraj, General Secretary of CBC.
The mass began with a beautiful traditional procession to the altar as the celebrants were escorted by the Holy Trinity Parishioners from Boregaina, Central Province.
In his welcome remarks, president Separy welcomed His Excellency Most Reverend Maurizio Bravi to the Catholic Bishops Conference and expressed joyful sentiments of the special occasion. He said that this will be the last time the feast is commemorated with Blessed Peter ToRot venerated as a ‘blessed’ as he will be Canonized in October 19. He invited those present and those tuning in via Radio Maria to continue to pray for Blessed Peter ToRot’s intercession and emulate his way of life.
Most Reverend Bravi in an inspiring homily said Blessed Peter ToRot was a true disciple of Christ and a true authentic model of Christian life as described by St Pope John Paul ll on January 17, 1995 during his second visit to PNG when he beatified. Blessed Peter ToRot.
He reflected on four phases of Blessed ToRot’s daily journey to holiness:
1. His birth and his family: Peter ToRot was born in 1912, Rakunai, East New Britain. He was born to Angelo To Puia and Maria Ia Tumul. His upbringing had a great impact on his faith because it was in his family that he learned his faith. His parents were people of great faith. Both received into the Catholic Church in 1898 in the beginning of the Evengelization works of the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart.
2. His special devotion to the Eucharist: Peter received his first communion when he was between the age of 10 and 14. He attended mass everyday, serving at the altar.
3. His formation as a Catechist: In 1930, at the age of 18, he was enrolled at St Paul’s Catechist Training Centre, Taliligap. Three years later, he was appointed Catechist of Rakunai Parish, where he stayed true to his calling until his death.
4. The married Life: In November 11, 1936, he married Paula Ia Varpin and they accepted each other with total freedom and happiness. They shared a prayer life together. They were jointly concerned with the upbringing of their children and kept no secrets from one another. The quiet life of his family changed when the Japanese occupation of New Britain in January 1942 when the European missionaries were in captive. He engaged in leading prayer, baptizing, training catechists, visiting the sick, teaching children in school and also bringing food to the missionaries in prison.
Most Reverend Bravi concluded his homily by saying that Blessed Peter ToRot’s life was a conscious decision for holiness and that he was convinced that a constant response to the call of every baptized person is the holiness of life and we too, may receive this call.
“Blessed Peter ToRot still speaks to Catechists today to remind them of their tasks in transmitting the faith. He also speaks to married couples showing how fidelity and mutual trust are the true foundations of a good family”
To commemorate the special occasion, the Apostolic Nuncio was gifted with an image of Blessed Peter ToRot by the President of CBC and the General Secretary of CBC.
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