By SEPKOLIN WALNE
The Catholic Church in Papua New Guinea is preparing to celebrate a significant occasion in the nation’s history with the canonisation of Blessed Peter Torot. He was a lay catechist and martyr who dedicated his life to defending his faith and the sanctity of marriage.
His Eminence Sir John Cardinal Ribat highlights Blessed Peter Torot’s journey of faith and commitment.
“Blessed Peter Torot was given a job as a catechist and committed his life while being a family man.
“He (Blessed Peter Torot) lived out his faith and demonstrated his commitment to Christ.
“For this reason, I believe that his legacy is significant not just for our nation, but for the entire Catholic Church around the world,” Cardinal Ribat said.
Bishop Otto Separy spoke on the historical and spiritual significance of Blessed Peter Torot.
“During the Second World War, the Japanese came and forced the people around that time to give up their Catholic faith, but Blessed Peter Torot didn’t give up; that’s why he died for his faith. “The lesson we are learning is that he did not compromise his faith. He knew those people were armed with guns and bombs, and if he refused, they would kill him; he understood that, but he still did not give in,” Bishop Separy added.