By Andrew Molen
It is only a matter of time before Papua New Guinea will be blessed with its first Saint. The country’s Saint in waiting is Blessed Peter To Rot from Rakunai village in the East New Britain Province. To Rot was a catechist who became a martyr when he was killed by the Japanese while in prison during World War 2 in 1945.
Pope John Paul II beatified To Rot on 17 January, 1995 at the Sir John Guise stadium in Port Moresby, and many Catholics have anticipated the late catechist’s canonization to a full Saint. The anticipation is further fueled by the confirmed visit of Pope Francis for September this year.
Sir John Cardinal Ribat said today that the process of canonization is a delicate and intricate process that must be properly checked and verified before the event takes place.
“The requirement for canonization is a miracle, and signs of intercession by the individual.
“We have seen a number of signs and miracles for Blessed Peter To Rot, and Pope Francis has acknowledged this, but it is still going through the process before canonization can be done,” said Cardinal Ribat.
He said the canonization of Blessed Peter To Rot to Sainthood may occur at a later date and called on the public to understand and respect this process, and allow the Church to do its work.
Cardinal Ribat pointed out that Pope Francis is a Head of State and also the Head of the Church so his visit is for both the country and the Church, and requires the support of all Christians and Papua New Guineans. He encouraged all Papua New Guineans to embrace the Papal visit as a special privilege and honour for Christianity and the country.
“We’ve been through a lot lately with the riots of ‘Black Wednesday’ and many violence around the country, and we are praying for renewal. The coming of the Pope helps us with this,” said Cardinal Ribat.
“The Pope is the Vicar of Christ on Earth, but he is a person like you and I, his visit to Papua New Guinea will bless us and unite us,” he said.
Most Reverend Bishop Otto Separy called on all Christians to pray for a successful visit of the Pope. He said this event is not just for Catholics but for all believers.
Pope Francis is scheduled to arrive in Port Moresby on 6th September and leave on the 9th.
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[6:03 PM, 8/20/2024] Sr. Daisy MSC: Thanks Andrew
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