By SEPKOLIN WALNE
Blessed Peter Torot will be the first Papua New Guinean to be recognised as a Saint by the Catholic Church on October 19 at St Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City.
Fr. Thomas Ravaioli, the Vice Postulator for the canonisation of Peter Torot, who has worked in Papua New Guinea for 15 years, acknowledged that gathering documentation for the canonisation process has been challenging.
“After five years of diligent effort, Blessed Peter Torot is now on the cusp of sainthood.”
Fr. Thomas said that Peter Torot will be the first martyr from Papuaa New Guinea to be recognised.
“His life is an example of unwavering faith. He was an ordinary man, not a bishop or a Cardinal.
His Eminence Sir John Cardinal Ribat said: “Blessed Peter Torot committed his life to be faithfully encouraged.
“He gave his life for the good of the people and also to witness to the one whom he has chosen to serve.
“For today that is an inspiration and encouragement for us,” Cardinal Ribat said.