PNG Catholics Celebrate Thanksgiving Mass in Honor of the Canonization of Saint Peter To Rot.

PORT MORESBY : Hundreds of Catholics from all over Port Moresby, and some who flew in from other provinces, gathered at the Sir Hubert Murray Stadium last Sunday, the 26th of October to celebrate the Thanksgiving Mass for Saint Peter To Rot, the country’s own son and first indigenous Saint.

It was a historic and emotional day, marking 30 years since Peter To Rot was declared “Blessed” by Pope John Paul II in 1995. Now, 13 years later, Pope Leo XIV has officially declared him a Saint, not only for Papua New Guinea but for the whole Catholic Church around the world.

The main celebrant of the Thanksgiving Mass was His Eminence Sir John Cardinal Ribat, M.S.C., with Archbishop Josef Roszyński, S.V.D., of the Wewak Diocese delivering the homily. It was a great moment in the nation’s Catholic history.

Along with the main celebrant were other Bishops, Archbishops, and Priests like the Bishop of Bouganville, Most Reverend Bishop Dariusz Kaluza, M.S.F., General Secretary of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands (CBCPNGSI), Father Lawrence Arickiaraj. The Apostolic Nuncio to PNG and the Solomon Islands, His Excellency Archbishop Maurizio Bravi, and others who were also there to celebrate this historic moment in the catholic church.

The choir was led by Mr. Gideon Giyovadulu, with the choir group composed of Catholic faithfuls from different parishes in Port Moresby.

During his homily, Archbishop Roszyński reflected on his personal memories of the 1995 beatification of Peter To Rot.

“It was 30 years ago when I came to Port Moresby as a young missionary to witness the visit of Pope John Paul II,” he recalled. “I remember the ceremony well. The smile of the Pope, the colorful congregation, the rain, the beautiful singing, and the joy of the people. I remember the Tolai carrying the casket with the remains of St. Peter To Rot and Rufina IaMama, his daughter, walking behind.”

He shared how the beatification, which was originally planned to be held in Rabaul, was moved to Port Moresby due to the volcanic eruption at the time.

“When I look at it now,” Archbishop Roszyński said, “I believe it was by the finger of God. It was meant to happen here in Port Moresby so that the whole nation would understand and accept Peter To Rot as the Blessed Martyr for all Papua New Guinea, not just for the Tolai people.”

The Archbishop then spoke of the recent canonization in Rome, calling it a moment of pride and faith for the Pacific region.

“Today, we gather here because the Pope has now declared Peter To Rot not only as Blessed for the people of Papua New Guinea, but as a Saint for the whole world. He is the light that rises from the Pacific. The first and only Saint of our islands.”

He also recalled the words of Saint John Paul II during the beatification:

“Peter To Rot’s life is a beacon shining bright, a signal fire leading you to hold up the noble ideals which inspired him: faith in God, love of family, service of labor, and courageous faith in the face of trials.”

For many, it was not just a religious event, but a moment of unity and pride, a reminder that holiness can rise from their own land, through one of their own.

The day will be remembered as one of the most joyful and historic moments for the Catholic Church in Papua New Guinea.