Rabaul Prepares for Historic Sainthood Celebration of St. Peter ToRot December 11–14, 2025 | Rabaul, East New Britain
- Sr. Daisy Lisania Augustine MSC
- 14 hours ago
- 3 min read
The Archdiocese of Rabaul will host one of the most significant religious events in the history of the Catholic Church in Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands: The Sainthood Celebration of St. Peter ToRot, from December 11th to 14th, 2025. The four-day celebration brings together bishops, clergy, pilgrims, and international delegates as the Church honours its first recognised Saint, St. Peter ToRot—Lei Man, Catechist na Martir (1912–1945).
Anchored in the theme drawn from 1 Peter 1:15, “Just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do,” the celebration coincides with the Catholic Church’s Jubilee Year of Hope 2025, inviting all the faithful to journey together in renewal, unity, and holiness.
A National and Regional Gathering of Faith
The program is a coordinated effort for the Archdioceses and Dioceses of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands, as well as for the Pomio, Kokopo, and Rabaul Deaneries of the Archdiocese of Rabaul
According to the Catholic Bishops’ Conference, the four-day encounter aims to renew the faith of all participants and reawaken the Spirit received in Baptism, strengthening the mission of the Church to be “salt of the earth and light of the world” while building a more synodal Church.
EVENT PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
DAY 1 — Thursday, 11 December 2025
Arrival, Welcome Ceremonies & Opening Mass
The celebration opens with the arrival of official delegates from Rome at Tokua Airport, accompanied by provincial protocol and cultural performances. A formal welcome lunch brings together representatives from participating dioceses nationwide.
At 4:30 pm, His Excellency Maurizio Bravi, Apostolic Nuncio to PNG/SI, will preside over the Opening Eucharistic Celebration, followed by a solemn Blessed Sacrament Procession and Adoration. Pilgrims will then be transported to their host accommodations.
DAY 2 — Friday, 12 December 2025
Mass, Workshops & Pilgrimage in Rakunai
Pilgrims gather in Rakunai, the birthplace of St. Peter ToRot, beginning the day with Morning Prayer and Holy Mass celebrated by Archbishop Emeritus Francesco Panfilo SDB.
The day includes two major workshops:
Workshop 1: Archbishop Rochus Tatamai MSC
Workshop 2: Bishop Darius Kaluza MSF
Participants will then visit historical sites significant to St. Peter ToRot’s life, followed by another evening procession and Adoration.
DAY 3 — Saturday, 13 December 2025
Teachings, Mass, and Spiritual Reflections
The third day begins at Vunapope with Morning Prayer and Holy Mass led by Archbishop Rochus J. Tatamai MSC.
Three workshops highlight the afternoon sessions:
Workshop 3: Fr. Thomas Ravaioli IVE
Workshop 4: Bishop Donald Lippert OFM Cap
Workshop 5: Bishop Francis Meli
The day concludes with a Eucharistic procession, Adoration, and the return of pilgrims to their accommodations.
DAY 4 — Sunday, 14 December 2025
Grand Celebration at Takubar Sports Field
The final day is expected to draw one of the largest Catholic gatherings in the country. Gates at Takubar Sports Field will open at 4:00 am, with thousands of pilgrims moving in before the 6:30 am cutoff.
Highlights include:
Closing Eucharistic Celebration (8:30–10:00 am)
Presided over by His Eminence Sir John Cardinal Ribat, MSC, DD, this Mass marks the pinnacle of the national celebration.
Official Speeches and Gift Presentations (10:00–11:30 am)
Speakers include:
Bishop Otto Separy, President of CBC PNG/SI
Hon. Michael Marum, Governor of East New Britain
Archbishop Rochus Tatamai MSC, who will present gifts to:
Delegates from Rome
Apostolic Nuncio Maurizio Bravi
His Eminence Cardinal John Ribat
A Vatican representative will also offer an official response message.
The celebration concludes with lunch and additional activities under the “Special Program.”
A Celebration of Faith, Unity, and Hope
The Archdiocese of Rabaul emphasizes that the Sainthood Celebration of St. Peter ToRot is not only a moment of honor for the nation but a spiritual call to deepen faith and witness Christian values with renewed conviction. As pilgrims, clergy, and international delegates gather, the Church prays that the example of St. Peter ToRot continues to inspire generations to live with courage, integrity, and hope.
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