Blessed Peter To Rot

Biography

Blessed Peter To Rot, also known as Peter To Puia, was born in 1912 in Rakunai, which was part of modern Papua New Guinea. His parents, Angelo To Puia and Maria la Tumul, were enthusiastic converts to Catholicism and played a vital role in the early Catholic community of the region. Peter grew up in a devout Catholic household and displayed a deep piety from an early age.

While he felt a calling to religious life, Peter eventually chose to become a lay catechist and worked alongside the missionaries in his area. He was known for his exceptional teaching skills and his ability to organize classes. Peter constantly carried and taught from his Bible, which became his most treasured possession.

On 11 November 1936, Peter married Paula la Varpit, and together they had three children. Unfortunately, one of their children died in infancy, and another shortly after the war.

During World War II, in 1942, invading Japanese armies arrested all the missionaries and their staff, including Peter. They were all placed in concentration camps. Despite the difficult circumstances, Peter continued to lead the faithful in his village as best he could. He cared for the sick, performed baptisms, taught converts, and provided aid to the poor.

As the war began to turn against the Japanese forces, they intensified their repression of the local population. They prohibited Christianity and insisted on a return to pre-Christian practices, such as polygamy. Peter vehemently opposed this regression and was arrested in 1945 for conducting religious gatherings.

Imprisoned in a cave, Peter's reputation as a devout and respected figure among his people remained intact. He became a source of strength and inspiration to both his fellow prisoners and his community back home. Despite the difficulties and the annoyance he caused to his captors, Peter's resolve and faith did not waver.

Tragically, on 7 July 1945, Peter To Rot was poisoned and suffocated in the Japanese concentration camp at Rakunai. His martyrdom was a testament to his unwavering commitment to his faith and his refusal to abandon it, even in the face of persecution and death.

Blessed Peter To Rot's martyrdom did not go unnoticed. His devotion and sacrifice for the faith earned him veneration. On 2 April 1993, Pope John Paul II declared him venerable, and on 17 January 1995, he was beatified by the same Pope. Today, Blessed Peter To Rot is remembered as a true hero of the Catholic Church, a man who fearlessly defended the Christian faith and devoted his life to serving God and his people.